With a background in product design and extensive experience leading cutting-edge projects, my career has taken me through diverse industries. I started out back in 1984 designing incubators for premature babies and went on to get involved in advanced materials, mobile data & smart phone concepts, gaming machines and eventually running my own company focused on technology for elite sports assessment and prehabilitation for hip and knee patients. Today, I serve as the Head of Commercial Innovation at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), a role that perfectly blends my passion for creative design, business acumen, and a deep commitment to helping others.
 
At UHS, we’re involved in a wide range of innovation projects, from reproductive medicine to mortuary care, and even supporting medical care for the Falkland Islands and collaborating with NASA on their ‘Mission to Mars’ programme. Our vision for 2050 includes transforming the NHS from a reactive to a proactive organisation, with key initiatives like remote monitoring of bio-signs in the community. Imagine a future where smart clothing and wireless long-range power transfer play a central role in patient care – and no one is going to go home and plug their pants into USB every night!
 
As a mentor for the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) and the Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, I draw on these experiences to guide new innovators on their journey. My mentorship begins with a fundamental question: Do you want to be an entrepreneur or an inventor? This distinction is crucial as it determines the direction of your development and business plans. Each path has its unique challenges and rewards, and understanding which suits you best is essential, especially in the healthcare sector where life/work balance can significantly impact your success.
 
Once you’ve identified your path, the next step is to ask yourself: How well do you understand the market you’re entering, and how does your innovation meet its needs? It’s common for innovators to have a solid grasp of the clinical aspects of their solution, but understanding how it fits into the broader market, including competitors and regulatory frameworks, is equally important. An idea is just the beginning; creating a solution that’s truly ‘fit for purpose’ requires deep market understanding and careful planning.
 
Key concepts like Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) play a vital role in this process. For instance, achieving a proof of concept (TRL 3) is often the first major milestone, requiring a minimum investment of time and effort before moving forward with initiatives like the NIA. As you advance, defining your device classification and conducting Health Economics (HE) and Real-World Evaluation (RWE) become crucial steps. The Health Innovation Network is an excellent resource for navigating these aspects.
 
My advice to both innovators and those supporting innovation: understand that success in this field requires more than just a great idea. It’s crucial to deeply grasp the market, the needs of the community, and the practical steps required to bring a concept to life. Whether you’re developing an innovation or facilitating its growth, staying informed, adaptable, and collaborative is key to making a meaningful impact in healthcare. If you’ve already developed a proven solution in healthcare and are ready to scale your impact, I strongly encourage you to apply for the NHS Innovation Accelerator this year and join us in driving the future of healthcare forward.