West Yorkshire’s healthtech cluster has relaunched to strengthen a regional sector generating around £3bn in annual revenue.
Leaders from healthtech companies, NHS organisations, universities and innovation bodies have come together to relaunch the West Yorkshire Healthtech Cluster Group.
The partnership has represented the region’s healthtech sector since 2019.
The relaunched group brings together businesses, NHS organisations, universities, innovation agencies, investors and public sector partners.
Members aim to accelerate the development, adoption and commercialisation of healthcare innovation across West Yorkshire.
The relaunch comes as the region’s healthtech sector continues to grow, with more than 300 businesses employing over 16,000 people.
Richard Paxman OBE, co-chair of the West Yorkshire Healthtech Cluster Group and chief executive of Paxman, said: “West Yorkshire is already home to one of the UK’s most dynamic healthtech ecosystems, with world-class research, a strong NHS presence and a growing community of innovative businesses developing solutions to some of healthcare’s biggest challenges.
“The relaunch of the West Yorkshire Healthtech Cluster Group marks an important step in bringing that community together. By working collaboratively, we can raise the profile of the sector, attract investment, accelerate innovation and create new opportunities for businesses across the region.”
The cluster has already supported innovation and growth across the region.
Working with Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and Innovate UK, its partners helped deliver the HealthTech Launchpad programme.
The scheme provided funding of up to £1m to help dozens of businesses grow and expand.
The partnership has also brought together industry, academia, the NHS and policymakers through initiatives such as the Future of Innovation Conference.
The event attracted more than 300 delegates to Leeds in November.
Members also helped shape the EPSRC-funded Yorkshire MedTech programme, which aims to accelerate research and commercialisation opportunities across the region.
Cluster organisations were instrumental in securing the £160m West Yorkshire Healthtech Investment Zone.
The 10-year programme supports spinouts, start-ups and scale-ups while investing in new research, office and laboratory space.
Edward Bellamy, chief executive of Radar Healthcare and co-chair of the West Yorkshire Healthtech Cluster Group, said: “West Yorkshire is one of the UK’s largest and most influential healthtech clusters, with a growing global reputation for healthcare innovation. Home to more than 300 healthtech businesses, 16,000 employees and £3 billion in annual revenues, the region combines world-class universities, strong NHS partnerships, leading health data assets and a thriving entrepreneurial community.
“What sets West Yorkshire apart is its ability to turn innovation into real-world impact. Every day, organisations across the region are developing, testing and deploying technologies that improve patient care, support healthcare professionals and strengthen health systems.
“This relaunch builds on the strong foundations already in place and reflects the scale of our ambition to position West Yorkshire as a leading destination for healthtech innovation, investment and growth.”
Working across industry, the NHS, academia and government, members will strengthen links between technology developers and healthcare providers.
They will also support business growth and help more health technologies reach patients faster.
The partnership plans to promote the region nationally and internationally, highlighting its work in digital health, medical technology, diagnostics, artificial intelligence, clinical research and health data.
