Grow MedTech Conference 2021: Collaborating for a competitive future

28-29 April 2021

#growmedtech21

Register now

The Grow MedTech conference returns virtually in 2021, giving a platform to some of the best med tech innovation in the Leeds and Sheffield City Regions.

Bringing together our network of internal and external stakeholders, academics, researchers, knowledge exchange professionals and industry contacts, this event provides the opportunity to hear the latest in med tech development in the region, discuss how the landscape is changing, gives insights into how funding proposals are assessed, and much more.

The event will run over two half-day sessions. Attendance on both days is encouraged, but there is an option to register for single sessions.

Register now

Conference programme

Wednesday 28 April 

10am: Welcome

Connected capabilities: MedTech in progress

Updates from our funded collaborative projects moving closer to commercialisation, clinic and patients. Hear about how collaboration has elevated these projects to develop news skills and better technologies.

10:10am: Proof of Market

Discuss the benefits of our flexible, due-diligence funding and our approach to de-risking technologies in this panel session.

Chair: Luke Watson – Technology Innovation Manager, Grow MedTech

Nat Milton (Leeds Beckett University) – Salivary kisspeptin Alzheimer’s diagnostic aid

Jen Edwards (University of Leeds) – Decellularised tissues for repair and reconstruction

Oliver Faust (Sheffield Hallam University) – Stroke risk monitoring service

Sohel Rana (Huddersfield University) Natural material-based eco-friendly hierarchical composites for prosthetics

11am: Break   

11:15am Proof of Feasibility

Through quick fire presentations, hear how our funding helps demonstrate initial technical – and commercial – feasibility.

Chair: Clare Green – Technology Innovation Manager, Grow MedTech

Lisa Miller (University of York) – A lateral flow assay for the detection of antibiotic resistance

Mojgan Najafzadeh (University of Braford) – The use of AI (deep learning) in LGS test to diagnose cancer at the early stage

El Hassane Larhrib (University of Huddersfield) – Novel lactose carrier to improve drug delivery to the lungs from dry powder inhalation aerosols

Rachel Young (Sheffield Hallam University) – PAE stroke: Feasibility testing of bespoke power assisted exercise prescription software programmes for people living with stroke

Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso (University of Leeds) – Development of rapid β-1,3-glucan antibody-based clinical test for fungal infections

Anke Bruning-Richardson & Christian Tiede (University of Huddersfield & University of Leeds) – A novel bloodtest for improved detection of recurring high grade brain tumours

12pm: Break 

12:15pm: From good to great: What makes a good innovation funding proposal

Funding applications can be daunting, whether it is for large or small sums of money. And they can be the make or break of a project. Our Opportunity Management Panel answer your questions on what takes a proposal from good to great.

Jo Dixon-Hardy – Director, Grow MedTech (Chair)

Michael Kipping – Innovation Lead, Innovate UK

Patrick Trotter – Head of Innovation, Commercialisation and Regulatory, Medilink

Lindsey Georgopoulos – Head of Innovation and Deputy CEO, Medipex

Sean Clarkson – Programme Manager, Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Sciences Network

Danielle Miles – Programme Lead and Technology Innovation Manager, Grow MedTech

Sue Watson – Patient and Public Involvement Representative

1pm: Closing comments 

1:15pm: Close 

 

Thursday 29 April:

10am: Welcome

Connected capabilities: MedTech in progress

Updates from our funded collaborative projects moving closer to commercialisation, clinic and patients. Hear about how collaboration has elevated these projects to develop news skills and better technologies.

10:10am: Proof of Concept

Find out how our funding and support has been used to prepare projects for external investment (post-TRL 5)

Chair: Jillian Newton – Technology Innovation Manager, Grow MedTech

Hassan Ugail (University of Bradford) – Transplant organ quality assessment using photographic imaging analysis

Ivan Phelan (Sheffield Hallam University) – How engaging content can aid rehabilitation

Virginia Pensabene (University of Leeds) – Microfluidic embryo culture as a device to improve the efficiency of infertility treatments in humans

11am: Break

11:15am: Translate secondees: Where are they now?

Learn what has happened to some of the scheme’s participants since taking part – from new roles secured to technologies in clinical trials.

Danielle Miles – Programme Lead and Technology Innovation Manager, Grow MedTech (Chair)

Lizzy Young (University of Leeds) – Secondment with Juno Digital Health

Anant Paradkar (University of Bradford) – Secondment with NIHR Surgical MedTech Co-operative, University of Surrey

Sareen Galbraith (Leeds Beckett University) – Secondment with Axxonet Global

Linda Olubajo (Sheffield Hallam University) – Secondment with NIHR Children and Young People MedTech Co-operative

Patrick Statham (University of Leeds) – Secondment with Versus Arthritis

12pm: Break

12:15pm: Connecting regional medtech capabilities into the future: what’s needed next?

Innovation and development of new innovative, products, devices systems and services requires substantial support across a complex regional innovation ecosystem – from significant funding, to having the teams to connect people. We ask our Advisory Board and key stakeholders in a panel session – what’s needed next?

Introduction:  Richard PhillipsDirector, Policy & Communications, Association of British Healthtech Industries

Sue CookeChief Executive, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre

Neville Young – Director of Enterprise & Innovation, Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Sciences Network

Jennifer Robson – Health and Life Sciences Sector Manager, West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Ruth Wilcox – Director, Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, University of Leeds

Chris Herbert – Director of Operations: Research and Innovation, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust

1:15pm: Closing comments

1:30pm: Close

Registration is free, secure your place now to avoid disappointment.