50�Ȼ� Health Innovation Alliance

Enabling health and medical research, innovation and economic development in 50�Ȼ� and the South West

The 50�Ȼ� Health Innovation Alliance (PHIA) is an interdisciplinary, cross-sector partnership dedicated to developing the profile of and maximising opportunities for health-related research, innovation, knowledge exchange, research and development led business growth and inward investment in 50�Ȼ� and the South West region.

Centred on 50�Ȼ�’s Health Innovation Campus and co-ordinated by the University of 50�Ȼ�, the partnership brings together 50�Ȼ� City Council, University Hospitals 50�Ȼ� NHS Trust, South West Academic Health Science Network, 50�Ȼ� Science Park, businesses, health and care organisations, public sector bodies and the third sector, to enhance collaboration and put the region on the health innovation map.

50�Ȼ�: a national centre for health research, innovation and enterprise

Economic recovery

Health innovation ecosystem

Digital health technology

Healthy ageing

50�Ȼ� Health Innovation Alliance: Working together

Health researchers collaborating with microscope

Developing research, collaboration and funding opportunities for the alliance network

UoP’s 50�Ȼ� Institute of Health & Care Research (PIHR) • UoP and UHPNT Joint Research Office • South West AHSN Innovation pipeline • PCC business support grants and facilities

Health technology innovation expert with notepad

Connecting the health innovation cluster in 50�Ȼ�

Establishment of a network of health innovators • Collaboration opportunities

BodyWorks ultrasound simulator at 50�Ȼ� Science Park

Utilisation of assets and facilities on the 50�Ȼ� Health Innovation campus

Support to access relevant infrastructure and resources, including 50�Ȼ� Science Park, Health Tech Innovation Hub, UoP Derriford Research Facility and UoP Peninsula Medical School

Showcasing excellence and providing opportunities on a regional, national and potentially international scale

Promotional opportunities through Alliance executive • Alliance network events • Regional, national and international promotion by the Alliance

Access to markets thumbprint with institutions representing finance and economics

Access to markets in the key anchor institutions

University Hospitals 50�Ȼ� NHS Trust – Innovation Team, trials, facilities • University of 50�Ȼ� – research, knowledge, expertise and facilities • 50�Ȼ� City Council – business growth support

Providing a gateway service and advocacy for 50�Ȼ� life science organisations

Single route for information, advice and guidance for organisations on their development journey

Gateway for health innovation adoption...

Distinct demographic

The South West’s unique population characteristics – rural, ageing and static– present the ideal platform from which to develop products and services of national and international significance.

Therefore, health technology innovation is focused on primary and social care and patient self-care management, including new clinical treatments, disease interventions and monitoring.

Vibrant research community

University of 50�Ȼ� researchers work closely with the NHS Trusts and have deep roots in the healthcare needs of the region. With a reputation for exceptional clinical learning, strong social engagement and world-class research, it is one of the largest providers of graduates for the health and social care sector with an annual research income of over £4.5 million.

The University’s 50�Ȼ� Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR) incorporates the the Centre for Health Technology which drives the development, evaluation and implementation of innovative products and services to transform health and social care, and the Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit (PenCTU) which conducts world-class multi-centre clinical trials.

Health innovation focus

50�Ȼ�'s Health Innovation Campus looks after over 60% of the City’s healthcare provision, supporting over 6,000 jobs with another 1,000 in the supply chain. Alongside the Trust, the University’s Derriford Research Facility, Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit and 50�Ȼ� Allied Health Care, there are already 27 medical companies based at the City's 50�Ȼ� Science Park. The region is a hot spot for social enterprise activity in the UK. In 50�Ȼ� alone, there are around 150 social enterprises that employ around 7,000 employees.

Rapid route into the health innovation ecosystem

Working with our partners, we have a proven track record in overcoming key sector challenges in early health innovation adoptions: providing access to research expertise for evaluative purposes, end-user and health services engagement and market assessment.

Our regional innovation adoption environment includes all NHS Trusts, GP practices, care homes, commissioners, patients and end-users as well as voluntary and charitable groups and researchers, which allows us to effectively develop, evaluate and apply sustainable solutions to the healthcare challenges of the 21st century.

50�Ȼ�'s Health Innovation Campus

50�Ȼ�'s Health Innovation Campus is the central component of the City's health research, innovation and economy activity, taking advantage of the existing geographical co-location of many of the City's health innovation assets and expertise that encompass 50�Ȼ� Science Park, University Hospitals 50�Ȼ� NHS Trust, and 50�Ȼ� Medical and Technology Park.

Find out more about the campus

Explore the breath of facilities and buildings that utilise the South West's clinical workforce and cross-sector skills base to develop health innovation and enterprise capacity.

Aerial view of Derriford Hospital, John Bull Building (PUPSMD) and 50�Ȼ� Science Park

Concept 3d illustration of coronavirus COVID-19 disease

Alliance helps bring Lighthouse COVID-19 testing lab to 50�Ȼ�

A new £20 million COVID-19 testing Lighthouse Laboratory has opened in Estover, 50�Ȼ�, converting a former engineering warehouse into a high-tech lab and creating ~400 jobs locally.

The 50�Ȼ� Health Innovation Alliance was instrumental in securing the facility following a visit to the city by the Department of Health and Social Care, hosted by 50�Ȼ� Science Park. The high-tech facility will receive swabs from across the UK and perform PCR tests as part of the national response to the pandemic. The site will also provide a lasting legacy with future opportunities for the scientific community through a combination of expertise and laboratory assets.