Eight Medtech innovators secured a place on the Pitch Your Product: Medtech 2026 programme, delivered by Health Innovation East Midlands (HIEM) in collaboration with Pennine Healthcare. Returning for a second year, the exclusive two-day programme supports Medtech innovators to develop, refine and scale their innovations for the NHS and care sector, culminating in a face-to-face pitch to a panel of NHS and industry experts. Designed for innovators with early-stage medical devices, as well as established companies preparing to launch new products into the health and care market, the programme equips participants with the knowledge, skills and connections needed to accelerate adoption.
The programme began with a virtual Perfect Your Pitch masterclass, featuring expert-led sessions on pathway mapping, regulatory compliance, clinical trials, funding routes and practical advice on delivering an effective pitch. The second day took place at Pennine Healthcare’s manufacturing headquarters in Derby, where the selected innovators presented a 10-minute pitch showcasing their innovation to a panel of NHS stakeholders and industry experts.
As part of the programme, all innovators will receive a tailored support package from HIEM and Pennine Healthcare. This includes access to NHS and clinical expertise to support customer discovery and validation, alongside specialist commercial mentoring and departmental expertise from Pennine Healthcare to help accelerate their route to market. The panel also selected an overall winning pitch, which was awarded to Katie McShane from Safe Steps.
1. Cannusafe: A sterile, single-use device designed to improve safety during eye surgery by preventing cannula detachment. Presented by Amar Alwitry.
2. ChemoMaker+: A robotic system that automates the preparation of chemotherapy medicines, helping improve efficiency and consistency in aseptic hospital pharmacy units. Presented by Mick Kirkbride.
3. CLEARknee: An AI-powered solution that creates detailed 3D images from standard knee X-rays, helping clinicians assess knee conditions more accurately. Presented by Renyang Gu.
4. MatrixMend: Biomaterials designed to support nerve and tendon repair, helping improve recovery from procedures such as a rotator cuff injury. Presented by Lisa White.
5. Koning Cone Beam CT Breast Imaging (KBCT): A 3D breast imaging system that detects breast cancer without compression, providing faster and more comfortable scans for patients. Reducing false positives, repeat diagnostics, and unnecessary biopsies. Presented by Amandeep Goma.
6. Safe Steps: A digital platform that helps community health and care teams assess falls risk, record information and coordinate care for older people. Presented by Katie McShane.
7. StandStrong: A clinician-designed strength training product that helps older adults rebuild leg strength and mobility through a structured sit-to-stand exercise programme. Presented by Richard Waterworth.
8. UrgoKOne: A reusable compression bandage system that improves comfort for patients while making compression therapy easier for clinicians and patients. Presented by Ben Harrison.
“It was a real pleasure to be part of this year’s programme and to hear from such an inspiring group of innovators. Each brought enormous passion and a genuine commitment to improving health and care through innovation, with solutions that closely align to the ambitions of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.
The quality of the pitches was outstanding, and we look forward to following their innovation journeys and supporting them as they continue to develop and bring their technologies to market.”
– Nicole McGlennon, Chief Executive at Health Innovation East Midlands
“Pitch Your Product: Medtech is a valuable programme for innovators developing early-stage medical devices, as well as those preparing to bring new products into the NHS and care market.
We were delighted to deliver the programme for a second year alongside Health Innovation East Midlands and to welcome such an inspiring group of innovators to our Derby headquarters.”
– Graeme Cameron, Chief Executive Officer at Pennine Healthcare
For more information about any of these innovations, or if you would like to be connected with an innovator, please email innovatorsupport@nottingham.ac.uk.
