Since its launch 17 months ago, the Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership (HHIP) has supported over 450 businesses that are developing products and services to improve health outcomes, enhance workplace wellbeing, address health inequalities and advance medical technology.
Formed as a collaboration between the University of Huddersfield, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC), Kirklees Council, NHS, Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and Third Sector Leaders, the HHIP connects academia, healthcare and industry to translate ideas and research into real-world solutions, through strategic funding, business support and knowledge exchange opportunities.
Over the last few months, the HHIP has been providing strategic support for projects tackling major healthcare challenges and inequalities. Thirty-five organisations have benefitted from grants, the project has also assisted 80 entrepreneurs to become enterprise ready.
Over 40 businesses have received bespoke mentoring from a pool of 29 mentors through the project, from marketing and business growth advice to navigating NHS procurement, supporting start-ups and emerging enterprises break into and scale up within the sector.
Hundreds of organisations have also attended events through the project designed to educate, support and inspire. From speed debating events, round tables and workshops covering topics such as AI in healthcare, NHS procurement, regulations and metrology in healthcare and improving health and wellbeing in the workplace.
An event to celebrate the success of the HHIP and Kirklees Council’s Thrive programme took place at the Daphne Steele Building on the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus on Tuesday 4 March as part of the West Yorkshire Innovation Festival.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Huddersfield is a key part of our £160 million Investment Zone, because this partnership has paved the way for a transformational approach to healthcare in this country.
“By bringing the NHS together with our universities and businesses at the cutting-edge of health technology, our region is proving the power of collaboration to drive innovation and growth.
“I applaud the work of the Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership, which is successfully creating jobs, transforming the lives of patients, and contributing to a stronger, brighter region.
“This year’s West Yorkshire Innovation Festival is shining a spotlight on the incredible things happening across our great region.”
