AHSNs bring together industry and NHS to stimulate economic growth

Innovative businesses across the UK have received wide-ranging support from the Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) to access the complex NHS market.

During a six-month period at the start of last year, 1,173 companies were supported with 1,524 innovations. This support spanned from initial signposting through to the development of long-term strategic collaborations.

Of these, 86 companies now benefit from long-term partnerships with the NHS thanks to the expert guidance provided through The AHSN Network.

Gaining access to the NHS and social care markets can be a difficult and daunting prospect for businesses. However, through The Innovation Exchange, the AHSNs act as a broker between businesses and the NHS to simplify the process for both parties.

Funded by the Office for Life Sciences, the aim of The Innovation Exchange is to identify, select and support the adoption of innovations which have the potential to stimulate the economy and transform the lives of patients.

The support spans from identifying unmet needs across the NHS, providing support and signposting to innovators, real-world validation, and spread and adoption of innovations.

Innovators receive bespoke assistance from The AHSN Network at every stage of the innovation lifecycle via its Innovation Pathway initiative.

Dr Nicola Wesley, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the AHSN for the North East and North Cumbria, said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress of the businesses we have supported through The Innovation Exchange.

“We understand how difficult it can be for companies to bring their innovations to the NHS, but with the support of the 15 AHSNs across the country, we can help to make that process more streamline. 

“Supporting and encouraging health innovation within our regions is vitally important, both in terms of the economy and improving patients’ lives. We look forward to assisting even more companies to access the NHS in the future and seeing the long-term benefits this support brings to our communities.”

Read our recent report - ‘Innovation exchanges: delivering economic growth through The AHSN Network’ – which includes details on some of the businesses we have supported so far.

Find out more about The Innovation Exchange.