Views from academia MedTechBOOST an innovation gateway to the NHS I n 2019, Eastern AHSN, Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS), Central Working and Studio Zao launched MedTechBOOST to tackle healthcares biggest challenges, bringing together the brightest minds in healthtech, academia and medicine to collaborate and explore novel ideas drawing on artificial intelligence (AI). Based on the NHS Long Term Plan and in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation Trust and VOICE, health care challenges with a focus on mental health and healthy ageing were set and successful applicants convened during a five-day event to turn their early stage idea into a clear business proposition. MedTechBOOST participants received expert mentoring from sponsors AstraZeneca, ARM, Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Johnson & Johnson Innovation. On the fifth and final day, participants pitched their ideas as new ventures for investment to a panel of judges. Participation in the programme marked the initiation of an on-going relationship with the teams and Eastern AHSN is still supporting several of these new ventures to further their innovations and attract funding. Cambridge catalyst There is a special culture in Cambridge and the wider Eastern region for combining research, innovation and entrepreneurship and initiatives like MedTechBOOST can be instrumental in supporting a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to translate their best ideas into practice. Our health system is complex. Eastern AHSN As one of several judges on the panel it know where the problems lie and how to turn was my role to help identify the most great ideas into positive health impact. As a promising individuals, teams and ventures. mentor I immediately saw the value of Having Eastern AHSN as a partner was MedTechBOOST. Judge Business School run instrumental. It helped to attract people similar venture creation days and bootcamps and we find it is a and ideas from a wide network to bring diverse expertise good way to encourage innovation. into the week. The audience differed from other similar events I have attended All the innovations were impressive, but Equilibrium certainly because it was hosted at The Bradfield Centre. Being on Cambridge deserved their award for the best impact in mental health. Science Park meant that there was a real mix of experienced They understood their clients need, a crucial and often professionals across industry and research which offered a variety overlooked step and translated it into a predictive and of viewpoints. preventive care solution. Cambridge MemTech stood out for me as winners for the best impact in healthy ageing award. Its rare to find a research team with such a Bruno Cotta, Executive Director at the Entrepreneurship Centre blend of characteristics that can drive a successful venture, which made for a compelling case. Shiri Gold, mentor Cambridge MemTech uses machine learning to improve diagnosis and stratification of patients with Alzheimers Disease.Since the event, Eastern AHSN has supported the Cambridge MemTech team in a number of funding applications, particularly those focused on AI innovations. Share this article Equilibrium uses wearable technology to predict mood changes in bipolar patients. The Equilibrium team formed at the event and has since gone on to develop a study proposal and are being supported by Eastern AHSN to seek funding and identify clinical champions for this pilot study. A sprint from idea to prototype Discover more about MedTechBOOST on our website EasternAHSN.org