The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and Medilink Midlands have launched the Health & Life Sciences Business and Innovation Support Programme, known as Ascent (Accelerating Science, Commercialisation & Enterprise across the East Midlands). This initiative, running until March 2027, aims to provide specialist assistance to organisations looking to develop their ideas and technologies into market-ready products and services.
The programme offers expert advice on crucial areas such as regulatory compliance, product testing, intellectual property protection, engagement with the NHS, manufacturing processes, market entry strategies, and investment attraction. It is designed for organisations needing more specialised support than general business advice can offer.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, highlighted the region's strong track record in health and life sciences innovation. "We want to ensure innovators have the support they need to take those ideas forward," she stated. "This programme brings together businesses, universities and industry experts to provide that support. By helping more innovators grow and succeed here in the East Midlands, we can create jobs, attract investment and build on the strengths we already have across our region."
Initially, up to 18 businesses, academics, and innovation teams will receive support, with six selected for more intensive, specialist assistance. Innovation Clinics, delivered in partnership with the University of Nottingham, University of Derby, and Nottingham Trent University, will allow participants to explore their ideas and receive expert advice.
Following this, a Business Innovation Clinic will assess commercial opportunities and growth plans. The six selected organisations will then enter an intensive ‘Technical Hive’, where experts in regulation, healthcare, intellectual property, manufacturing, and business will help identify barriers and agree on practical next steps. Each participant in the Technical Hive will also receive up to £1,000 in specialist support.
The programme also includes an East Midlands Life Sciences Innovation Event and an Investor Readiness Clinic to help participants refine their ideas, understand market potential, and prepare for investor engagement.
Melanie Davidson, Medilink Midlands chief executive officer, commented on the strong health and life sciences community in the region. "This programme gives those innovators access to specialist expertise and practical support to help them navigate some of the challenges involved in taking health and life sciences innovations forward," she said. "Working alongside EMCCA and our university partners, we can bring together the knowledge, connections and expertise needed to help participants identify barriers, develop their opportunities and take practical steps towards commercialisation and growth."
Health and life sciences businesses, academics, and innovation teams based within the EMCCA area – covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire – can find out more and register their interest via the Medilink Midlands website.
