On March 6, 2024, the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme hosted its highly anticipated Big Pitch Event at the prestigious Royal Geographical Society in London. With 700 attendees, including healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, the event was a vibrant celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the transformative impact of the programme.
Hosted by Clinical Entrepreneurs Stacey Hatton and Sameer Nakedar, the event marked the official launch of Cohort 8 of the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, as well as the inaugural cohort of the Patient Entrepreneur Programme.
The Big Pitch provided a platform for our remarkable innovators to shine. Attendees witnessed first hand how the programme has nurtured and supported these individuals, enabling them to turn ground breaking ideas into reality.
From collaborative partners to dedicated mentors, the event celebrated the immense value of the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur network. The connections forged within this community empower innovators to overcome challenges and create meaningful impact.
The event showcased the inspiring journeys of these innovators within the NHS. From overcoming obstacles to implementing novel solutions, their experiences highlighted the resilience and creativity required to drive change in a complex healthcare landscape.
The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme has evolved significantly. From its early days collaborating with Venture Studio to the recent launch of the new patient program, the event celebrated the program’s growth and adaptability.
Highlights of the event included:
- Keynote Address by Professor Sir Stephen H Powis: National Medical Director of NHS England, delivered an insightful keynote speech. His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of innovation in healthcare.
- Innovator Showcase: Over 50 stands featured cutting-edge innovations, allowing attendees to engage directly with healthcare’s brightest minds. From digital health solutions to medical devices, the exhibition zone buzzed with excitement.
- Expanding Partnerships: The event highlighted the program’s expansion through partnerships with patients, the public, and outreach initiatives. These collaborations enrich the ecosystem and foster a holistic approach to healthcare innovation.
- Research, Education, and Workforce Panel: Dr. Tamsin Holland Brown led a thought-provoking panel discussion on these critical aspects. The panel included Professor Ha Hoang, Professor in Management Department, ESSEC Business School, Ashley McKimm, Director of Partnership Development, BMJ & Editor-in-Chief, BMJ Innovations, Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University and Dr Navina Evans, Chief Workforce, Training and Education Officer at NHS England. Attendees gained insights into how research informs practice, education shapes the next generation of leaders, and the workforce drives sustainable change.
- Innovator Pitches: Eighteen innovators took the stage, pitching their ground-breaking ideas from Women’s Health through to the development of Watercress to address eczema and how drone technology is supporting the NHS. Their passion and determination underscored the transformative potential of the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme.
The Big Pitch Event was a resounding success, reinforcing the commitment of the NHS to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in healthcare. As we look ahead, these visionary entrepreneurs will continue to shape the future of healthcare delivery, one idea at a time.
