University of Glasgow launches medtech course to support next-generation healthcare solutions
A pioneering new medtech course launching in Glasgow could help take Scottish healthcare innovations from concept to commercialisation on a global scale, according to InnoScot Health.
The University of Glasgow’s MedTech Innovation Masters, developed in collaboration with innovation hubs, industry leaders and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, is designed to support the development and adoption of healthcare technology solutions that address real-world frontline challenges.
InnoScot Health, a key partner in Scotland’s healthcare innovation ambitions, said the programme has the potential to become “the country’s premier programme of its kind”, helping bridge the gap between education and execution while strengthening Scotland’s position on the global MedTech stage.
Executive Chair, Graham Watson said: “This is an important step in bringing Scotland’s NHS, industry, and academia closer together while fostering a stronger homegrown pipeline of leading MedTech innovation.
“The programme represents a significant piece in the puzzle for accelerating promising early-stage ideas into commercial reality through a clearly defined, comprehensive learning pathway.
“We further believe it could help to spearhead next generation Scottish solutions on a global scale, enhancing accessibility to cutting-edge tech solutions for improved patient outcomes while transforming economic growth.”
The University of Glasgow said the MSc will begin in September and will give students the opportunity to help “revolutionise patient care using technology”, with a focus on digital, data and AI-led solutions.
The 12-month programme will place participants “at the intersection of healthcare, technology and business”, giving them an understanding of the full MedTech innovation lifecycle.
This includes identifying unmet clinical needs, designing and developing solutions, navigating regulatory requirements, implementation, commercialisation and scaling.
Students will also have the opportunity to gain placement experience with NHS bodies, government organisations and leading MedTech companies.
The programme will culminate in an ‘Innovation Day’, described as a showcase for students to pitch their projects to key stakeholders from across the MedTech sector, including NHS leaders, investors and industry executives.
Participants will also have the opportunity to apply to a range of MedTech funding schemes offered by the University of Glasgow.
Programme partners include the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, SafeHaven, The National Robotarium, Scottish Ambulance Service, and national and global industry leaders, including Scottish SMEs and spinouts such as Tile Bio and Lumino.
Katriona Brooksbank, Innovation Lead at the West of Scotland Innovation Hub said: “I am so excited to share the MedTech Innovation Masters programme which covers healthcare innovation opportunity identification and end to end evidence generation as part of a route to get MedTech products safely to market.”
Graham added: “Academia is often where inspiration begins and early-stage ideas are formed with Glasgow undoubtedly at the heart of Scotland’s high-value, increasingly convergent MedTech ecosystem, encompassing medical devices, digital health, and in vitro diagnostics.
“Indeed, Dr David Brennan, the CEO of one of our own spinouts, Aurum Biosciences, studied Clinical Physics at the University of Glasgow, before joining NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and is now leading an internationally ambitious company which is targeting areas of significant medical need.
“InnoScot Health provided critical regulatory support to Aurum early in its innovation journey and continues to play a key role across Scotland’s MedTech ecosystem in ensuring innovations have the necessary regulatory clearances as they reach market readiness.”
InnoScot Health recently launched a call with the aim of catalysing collaborative ideas from fresh thinkers in NHS, industry, and academia.
