West Yorkshire’s reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic regions for health technology innovation will take centre stage this November as a first-of-its-kind conference brings together leading voices from the NHS, government, academia, and industry to shape the future of healthcare.
The event, ‘Driving the Future of Innovation – West Yorkshire’s HealthTech Cluster’, will be held on Thursday 6th November at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium.
It will be delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire HealthTech Cluster, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Innovate UK’s West Yorkshire Health Technologies Launchpad (hosted by Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber), and the West Yorkshire ICB’s HIVE Network.
With 300 people attending, the event will unite innovators, SMEs, policymakers, researchers, investors, and clinical leaders from across the UK and beyond – underlining why West Yorkshire is now recognised as a global powerhouse for HealthTech, innovation, and research.
“West Yorkshire is at the forefront of a new era in healthcare innovation – one where collaboration, research, and entrepreneurship come together to transform how we deliver care and improve patient outcomes,” said Richard Stubbs, CEO of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber.
“This event is more than a conference; it’s a catalyst for the next generation of HealthTech breakthroughs. By bringing together innovators, investors, clinicians, and policymakers, we’re creating an environment where ideas can become impactful solutions – not just for our region, but for health systems around the world.”
The one-day event will deliver a packed programme of keynote sessions, panels, and breakout discussions.
Speakers will include Stubbs as well as Mandy Ridyard, business advisor to the Mayor, West Yorkshire Combined Authority; David Lawson, director of medical technology & innovation, Department of Health & Social Care; and Dr James Thomas, medical director, West Yorkshire ICB.
Morning sessions will focus on the expected impact of the 10-Year Health Plan and HealthTech cluster plan, explore healthcare priorities, and spotlight successful innovation adoption already underway in the region.
Afternoon sessions will dig deeper into West Yorkshire’s HealthTech ecosystem and commercial landscape from investment opportunities and “reverse pitches” by leading funders like NIHR, Innovate UK, and Par Equity, to sessions from DHSC on the Design for Life Programme and Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines for the NHS in England.
West Yorkshire’s innovation ecosystem – a collaborative network of world-class universities, NHS partners, research centres, and industry – has propelled the region into a leadership position in the UK’s life sciences landscape.
The conference will explore how this joined-up approach is accelerating the development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, attracting significant investment, and creating high-value jobs.
“Our region has an extraordinary track record of turning breakthrough science into market-leading technologies at speed, thanks to our strong partnerships across business, academia, and the NHS,” said Ridyard.
“Nowhere is more connected or collaborative when it comes to bringing ideas to market.
“This event underlines West Yorkshire’s position as a global HealthTech powerhouse, reflecting our ambition to attract investment, create high-value jobs, and deliver innovations that transform health outcomes both here and across the world.”
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