Life Sciences Week

Smart Buildings & Sustainability Leaders Forum at The Vox
2025-09-18 09:00 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | The Vox Conference Centre, Resorts World, Pendigo Way, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1PU, United Kingdom
The Smart Buildings and Sustainability Leaders’ Forum on 18th September 2025 at the Vox Conference Centre is a dynamic conference and networking event designed to drive innovation, collaboration and accelerate the rate of adoption of digital solutions across the built environment.
Its unique format blends four parallel conferences, keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, and curated networking sessions alongside a showcase of the very latest smart technologies, creating an immersive experience for senior professionals leading the charge in sustainability and digitalisation.
The forum brings together end-users from a wide variety of sectors (e.g. NHS/Healthcare, Education and Transport), property owners, technology providers, architects, developers and policymakers to spotlight real-world case studies, emerging technologies and proven strategies for achieving net-zero goals, improving energy efficiency and enhancing wellbeing and productivity.
SBS offers a rare opportunity for attendees to benchmark strategies, share positive experiences, challenges and potential pitfalls, and spark partnerships that accelerate progress. The forum is a must-attend for forward-thinking leaders shaping the future of sustainable, intelligent spaces.
As Strategic Partner of West Midlands Life Sciences Week, the SBS team are delighted to offer a limited number of complimentary all-access passes to the first delegates to register their interest in attending by emailing marketing@sbsleadersforum.com and request the Life Sciences Week discount code and registration steps.

WMHTIA: Impact, Insights & the Future of Health Tech in the West Midlands
2025-09-18 09:00 - 12:30 | Baskerville House, Centenary Square, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 2ND, United Kingdom
An exclusive event for stakeholders, partners and decision-makers to experience the transformative impact of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator and discover opportunities for its next phase of growth.
Over the past two years, the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) has delivered exceptional results, catalysing investment, strengthening collaborations and cementing the West Midlands as a leading hub for health and med tech innovation.
Through strategic partnerships, outstanding ROI and the creation of a flourishing life sciences ecosystem, WMHTIA has demonstrated how targeted support and innovation can deliver real impact for both the region and the wider UK economy.
Now, as we look to the future, this invite-only event will provide key insights into what has been achieved and how continued collaboration and investment can unlock even greater potential in the years ahead.
The agenda will focus on highlighting the impacts and insights from the WMHTIA programme to support the case for reinvestment.
For further information or expressions of interest, please contact the Events Team at: events@medilinkmidlands.com

Power of Partnerships in Life Sciences sector
2025-09-18 08:45 - 09:30 | Orelle, Orelle, 103 Colmore Row,, Birmingham, B3 3AG, United Kingdom
Join us for this exciting session, in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, featuring a discussion with Prof Gino Martini, CEO of the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA), based in Birmingham.
In this exclusive morning session, Professor Martini will share insights drawn from a distinguished career spanning academia, industry, and science policy. With leadership roles at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, GSK, Roche, and SmithKline Beecham, Prof. Martini brings deep expertise in building strategic collaborations across sectors—from research and development to commercial partnerships and international expansion.
This talk will explore how partnerships fuel innovation, accelerate market access, and build resilience across industries, with a particular lens on the health and life sciences sector. Whether you’re forming alliances in emerging markets or exploring academic and commercial collaboration, this session will offer actionable insights into making partnerships work.
Following this session, attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with Professor Martini before the Global Brunch event begins.
Why Attend:
• Hear from one of the UK’s foremost voices in scientific collaboration and innovation
• Understand how to leverage partnerships for growth in high-stakes, high-impact sectors
• Get early access to expert insights that will carry through the panel session later in the morning
Target audience: SMEs/entrepreneurs that are looking to grow globally or begin their international trade journey in the life sciences sector. This pre-brunch event session sets the stage for deeper exploration during the Chamber’s Global Brunch and positions attendees to get the most from the day’s discussions.
Please note that to register to attend the Power of Partnerships in Life Sciences sector, as covered above, please use the booking link on this page:
Following the session, the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce invites you to join their Global Brunch at 9.30 am-11.30 am, which Prof. Martini will feature as a panellist. The pre-brunch event session sets the stage for deeper exploration during the Chamber’s Global Brunch and positions attendees to get the most from the discussions.
To register for the Global Brunch, follow this link to register separately:
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/event-calendar/global-brunch-the-power-and-potential-of-partnerships.html

Invention to Realisation: Turning Breakthrough Ideas into Commercial Success
2025-09-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Gateley Birmingham, One Eleven, Edmund St, Birmingham, B3 2HJ, United Kingdom
Panel Discussion with industry experts exploring the journey from concept through commercial impact to value realisation. The content will be relevant for all stages of business from early-stage innovator to scaling, high-growth businesses and will offer practical insights on areas such as protecting, valuing and commercialising Intellectual Property (IP), capital raising, licensing technology or other IP assets, building and growing the right team and navigating international markets. The team will explore these matters through the lens of maximising value for all the stakeholders on the journey.

Advancing Medtech, Diagnostics, and Advanced Therapies
2025-09-17 15:30 - 16:15 | Birmingham City Football Club, St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, Cattell Rd, Birmingham, B9 4RL, United Kingdom
As part of the afternoon of sessions on Influencing Life Sciences at Birmingham City Football Club, this specific session will involve a panel of experts exploring some of the latest innovations and future directions in medtech, diagnostics, and advanced therapies — and the opportunities they present for the life sciences sector.
Hosted by Alex Richter, Professor of Clinical Immunology and Director of the Clinical Immunology Services;
Speakers include;
David Kidney, Executive Chair of West Mildands Health Technologies Cluster, and Chair of Life Sciences Week Advisory Board;
Stephen Harding, Vice President Research and Development at Thermo Fisher Scientific, and VP R&D at The Binding Site Group;
Additional insightful panellists will be announced shortly, bringing together expert perspectives from across the field.
Be sure to view the other sessions during the day and book your seat to secure a place.

AI and Digital Innovation Driving Life Sciences Leadership
2025-09-17 14:45 - 15:30 | Birmingham City Football Club, St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, Cattell Rd, Birmingham, B9 4RL, United Kingdom
As part of the afternoon of sessions on Influencing Life Sciences at Birmingham City Football Club, this specific session will involve a panel of experts exploring how AI and digital transformation are reshaping leadership, operations, and competitiveness within the life sciences sector.
Our panellists of industry leaders will share insights on how emerging technologies are unlocking new opportunities in research, improving decision-making, and enabling more agile, patient-focused strategies. Expect candid discussion on practical applications, regulatory considerations, and the future skillsets leaders will need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Speakers:
Charlie Blakemore, CEO of Intercity;
Patrick McCallum, Senior Associate at VWV;
Ben Howlett, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of UKAI;
Aditya Kale, NIHR Academic Clinicial Fellow in Radiology, Honory Clinical Research Fellow and Doctoral Researcher at University of Birmingham and AI Airlock Governance Board Member for Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Plus, more exciting speakers to be announced shortly
Be sure to view the other sessions during the day and book your seat to secure a place.

Life Sciences Networking lunch - hosted by Al Carns MP
2025-09-17 14:00 - 14:45 | Birmingham City Football Club, St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, Cattell Rd, Birmingham, B9 4RL, United Kingdom
Join the Life Sciences Networking lunch hosted by Al Carns
Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP
Take a break, grab a bite, and connect with fellow delegates during our dedicated Life Sciences Networking Lunch.
This informal session is the perfect opportunity to continue conversations sparked during the morning and early afternoon, meet new collaborators, and exchange ideas with industry peers.
Lunch will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive promptly to make the most of the networking — and the refreshments.
Be sure to check out the full programme of sessions during the day and book early to avoid missing out.

Sustainable Practices and Ecosystem Building in Regional Life Sciences
2025-09-17 13:15 - 14:00 | Birmingham City Football Club, St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, Cattell Rd, Birmingham, B9 4RL, United Kingdom
As part of the afternoon of sessions on Influencing Life Sciences at Birmingham City Football Club, this specific session will involve a panel of experts exploring how sustainable practices and collaborative ecosystem building can drive innovation and growth in regional life sciences.
Hear from leading voices in the sector as they share practical insights, strategic approaches, and future-focused ideas for creating thriving, sustainable life sciences communities:
Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP to Chair
Speakers;
Martin Sandhu, Managing Director of nuom;
Judith Stewart, Economic, Commercial and Business Development Director of Health Innovation West Midlands;
Alex Toft, Founder and CEO of Toft Ventures;
Adam McGuinness, Programme Manager at Plug and Play
Plus, more exciting speakers to be announced shortly
Be sure to view the other sessions during the day and book your seat to secure a place.

Influencing Life Sciences: Innovation, Sustainability, and Leadership
2025-09-17 12:30 - 16:15 | Birmingham City Football Club, St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, Cattell Rd, Birmingham, B9 4RL, United Kingdom
Join us for an afternoon of thought-provoking panels, networking, and discussions at Influencing Life Sciences, hosted at Birmingham City Football Club. This special event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore how life sciences can drive progress in health, sustainability, and digital transformation.
The programme features a series of engaging sessions:

Addressing Health Inequalities through Life Sciences Innovation (12:30 pm – 1:15 pm)Exploring how innovation can reduce health disparities and improve access to care, with insights from Jeremy Dale (CEO, Birmingham City Football Club), Sharon Thompson (Deputy Mayor, West Midlands Combined Authority), and more.
Sustainable Practices and Ecosystem Building in Regional Life Sciences (1:15 pm – 2:00 pm)A panel chaired by Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, featuring Martin Sandhu (nuom), Judith Stewart (Health Innovation West Midlands), Alex Toft (Toft Ventures), Adam McGuinness (Plug and Play), and others.
Life Sciences Networking Lunch (2:00 pm – 2:45 pm)Hosted by Al Carns MP, this informal lunch provides the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, share ideas, and build collaborations.
Advancing Medtech, Diagnostics, and Advanced Therapies (2:45 pm – 3:30 pm)Hosted by Professor Alex Richter, this session examines cutting-edge developments and opportunities shaping the future of medtech, diagnostics, and advanced therapies.
AI and Digital Innovation Driving Life Sciences Leadership (3:30 pm – 4:15 pm)Industry leaders including Charlie Blakemore (Intercity), Patrick McCallum (VWV), and Ben Howlett (UKAI) explore how AI and digital transformation are reshaping leadership and competitiveness in life sciences.

With a diverse range of speakers, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities, this event is a must for anyone passionate about the future of life sciences. Secure your place early and be part of the conversation driving innovation and change.

Addressing Health Inequalities through Life Sciences Innovation
2025-09-17 12:30 - 13:15 | Birmingham City Football Club, St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, Cattell Rd, Birmingham, B9 4RL, United Kingdom
As part of the afternoon of sessions on Influencing Life Sciences at Birmingham City Football Club, this specific session will involve a panel of experts exploring how innovation in life sciences can play a pivotal role in tackling health inequalities — from improving access to care, to developing technologies that meet the needs of underserved communities.
Insightful, exciting speakers include
Jeremy Dale, CEO, Birmingham City Football Club
Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor at West Midlands Combined Authority | Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy & Skills at Birmingham City Council.
Ameeta Retzer
And more will be announced soon, bringing a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to this vital conversation.
Be sure to view the other sessions during the day and book your seat to secure a place.

Risk, Resilience & Revolution: Life Sciences in a Changing World
2025-09-17 11:30 - 14:20 | The Colmore Building, The Colmore Building 20 Colmore Circus, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 6AT, United Kingdom
This seminar brings together industry experts to explore the evolving risk landscape in life sciences. Attendees will gain insights into emerging claims trends, legal challenges, and cyber liability risks.
The event is designed to help organisations strengthen their risk management strategies and build resilience in an increasingly digital and regulated environment.
Key Features:

Expert-led sessions on insurance claims and cyber liability
Practical guidance on mitigation and navigation strategies
Networking opportunities with peers and professionals
Buffet lunch provided

Learning Objectives
By attending this seminar, participants will:

Understand the latest trends in insurance claims and litigation affecting life sciences companies.
Identify key areas of concern, including gaps in coverage and legal vulnerabilities.
Explore cyber liability risks specific to biotech, pharma, and med tech sectors.
Gain practical insights into cyber insurance solutions and risk mitigation strategies.
Connect with industry peers and experts to share experiences and build resilience.

Speakers:

Clair Miles, WTW
Peter Barnes, Clyde & Co
Charlotte Taylor, Cyber Expert, WTW

Life Sciences Software: AI Hackalong
2025-09-17 10:00 - 12:00 | PHTA, Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, Aston Webb Boulevard, Selly Oak, Birmingham, West Midlands, B29 6SQ, United Kingdom
Join Russell Sutherland at WM Life Sciences Week for a hands-on workshop addressing the disconnect between scientific software promises and researchers’ actual needs.
Tickets Here
In 2 hours, you’ll:
✅ Map your daily tools using our “complexity trap” framework
✅ Pinpoint where interfaces hinder your workflow
✅ Utilize AI to create tailored alternatives
✅ Leave with your personalized mockup
Ideal for wet lab scientists, bioinformaticians, and research managers who want to understand how AI tools can help us reimagine our workhorse software and products quickly.
Who else struggles with research software that appears advanced but falls short in utility?

Innovation Day in Partnership with Medilink Midlands
2025-09-17 09:30 - 17:00 | Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham, West Midlands, B6 6HE, United Kingdom
Join event partner, Medilink Midlands, for Innovation Day, in collaboration with Life Sciences Week, for a spotlight on groundbreaking advancements in life sciences.
Join us for our annual flagship conference, bringing together the life sciences and medtech community for a dynamic day of inspiration, connection, and opportunity.
This year, we’re offering even more value with two content tracks, exclusive networking formats, and practical sessions tailored to help you grow, collaborate, and innovate.
Whether you’re a start-up, NHS professional, academic, or multinational, this is your must-attend event for 2025.
What’s New for 2025? Two tracks of content – choose how you spend your day with two parallel streams:
Track 1 – Main Stage:
Sector-wide themes include:
Innovation across the Midlands
Co-creation with the NHS
AI & Precision Medicine
International growth
Funding & investment insights
Track 2 – New for 2025:
Choose interactive formats, including:
Business Match-Up*
NHS Meet the Buyer*
Practical workshops with event sponsors:
Creative Networks
Adamson Jones
Penningtons Manches Cooper
Ticket Options
£8.50 + VAT – Includes a lunch bag
Free – Standard entry (without lunch)
*(pre-booking required, based on first come first serve, matching eligibility criteria)
*Catering facilities are not available on-site; lunch bags must be pre-ordered.
What is West Midlands Life Sciences Week?
This region-wide celebration highlights the depth and breadth of life sciences in the West Midlands. From diagnostics and medtech to advanced therapeutics, the week showcases sector strengths, drives collaboration, and champions innovation that improves lives and fuels economic growth.
Medilink Midlands Innovation Day is proud to be a key feature in this week of activity.
To secure your place, click through here to book your tickets:
https://www.medilinkmidlands.com/medilink-midlands-innovation-day/

Dains Event
2025-09-17 08:30 - 13:30 | Dains Accountants, Dains Accountants, 2 Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3AX, United Kingdom
Directors Circle is an exclusive, invite-only community for business owners and directors who share a growth mindset and the ambition to drive one another towards greater success.
Its next quarterly event will be held on 17th September (8 am – 1 pm), focusing on strategic innovation and growth opportunities in 2026.
Topics include:

Innovation – Leveraging AI
Strategic Productivity – Identifying your opportunities
Profitable Growth – Capitalising on your sweet spot

Please note: attendance at Directors Circle is strictly by invitation only. If you are interested in being considered, you can express your interest with rchampaneri@dains.com.
In support of LSW, Directors Circle has also created a Lunch & Learn session (1 pm – 2 pm) that is open to all Life Sciences Week attendees. This will explore how to maximise the benefits of R&D tax relief and the Patent Box regime within the Life Sciences industry.
With HMRC scrutiny on R&D claims increasing and recent changes to the regimes, businesses must understand how this could impact future claims and investment decisions. The session will also cover how the Patent Box can reduce corporation tax on profits from patented innovations to just 10%, making it an increasingly attractive incentive.
If you would like to express interest in the invite-only Directors Circle, please get in touch with rchampaneri@dains.com
If you would like to attend the Lunch & Learn, book your tickets using the Get Tickets link on this page. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Official Launch of Birmingham Health Innovation Campus
2025-09-16 16:00 - 19:00 | Birmingham Health Innovation Campus (BHIC), Birmingham Health Innovation Campus (BHIC) Selly Oak,, Birmingham, West Midlands, B29 6SQ, United Kingdom
Attendance is by invitation only, and there is no cost to attend.
Format

4:00 pm – Guest arrival & drinks reception
4:45 pm – Welcome from Chris Oglesby (Bruntwood SciTech) and Professor Neil Hanley (University of Birmingham)
5:00 pm – Panel discussion with four panellists, chaired by local MP
5:30 pm onwards:

– Open networking
– Tours led by Bruntwood SciTech with PHTA, showcasing their space
– University partners hosting expo-style stands
– Live illustrator capturing discussion highlights

7:00 pm – Event close

Expressions of interest in attending to be emailed to info@wmlifesciencesweek.co.uk

Investor Ready: Scaling with Capital – attracting equity investment.
2025-09-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Crowe, One Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2BJ, Crowe, One Colmore Row,, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 2BJ, United Kingdom
Are you a life sciences business ready to take the next leap? Join us for an exclusive roundtable where growth meets capital, and ambitious companies connect with the investors who understand your vision.
Meet Your Panel of Industry Leaders
Aaron Baker – BGF One of the UK’s most active growth investors, backing ambitious companies with patient capital https://www.bgf.co.uk/
Chris Wardle – Hypha Specialist life sciences investor focused on transformational healthcare innovations https://www.hypha.pe/
James Bakewell – Agathos Strategic capital for businesses making meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond https://www.agathos.com/
Ian Murchie – Head of Life Sciences & Healthtech, Barclays Corporate Innovation Banking Banking expertise tailored for the unique needs of scaling life sciences companies
Perfect For:
• Established businesses seeking growth capital
• Scaling companies ready for their next funding round
• Innovation leaders looking to understand the investment landscape
• Ambitious founders preparing for private equity partnerships
What to Expect:
✨ 60-minute focused roundtable with direct access to decision-makers
✨ Real insights on what investors actually look for
✨ Practical advice on preparing for funding rounds
✨ Networking drinks to continue conversations in a relaxed setting
This is your opportunity to sit across the table from the investors who are actively deploying capital in life sciences. Don’t just pitch your business – understand what makes it investment-ready.

SPARK Monthly Cohort Meeting
2025-09-16 15:00 - 18:00 | Enterprise Hub, John Cadbury House, Corporation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 6QD
Join the monthly SPARK Community Meeting — an open and engaging forum where SPARK project teams share updates, discuss challenges, and connect with the SPARK management team. This event is ideal for academics, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs working in translational research, and those developing therapeutics, medical devices, or diagnostics.
Valued industry partners, including Potter Clarkson, BSI, and MTIF, are welcome to attend, making this a great opportunity to network and explore potential collaborations.
Each session begins with a short presentation from one of the SPARK projects, followed by an open discussion. In celebration of Life Sciences Week, this meeting may feature a guest speaker focusing on a key topic in translational research, such as investment, regulatory pathways, or clinical trial design – watch this space!
There will also be the exciting announcement of the launch of the next application round for SPARK Cohort 3, which will now be open to applicants across the East Midlands.
Who Can Attend:
This event is free and open to anyone interested in SPARK — whether you’re looking to learn more, engage with the community, or explore translational research opportunities. No prior affiliation is required.
Additional Details:
Food and refreshments will be provided. The latter part of the event will be dedicated to informal networking.

Innovating HealthTech: A roleplay Journey Through Design, Regulation and Deployment
2025-09-16 14:00 - 16:00 | The Old School Building, School Street, Wolston, Coventry, West Midlands, CV8 3HF, United Kingdom
Join us for a fast-paced, collaborative roleplay workshop where we bring to life a fictional wearable MedTech innovation. Co-led by experts in hardware design (Smallfry), regulatory strategy (Sequel Consultants), and digital health development (System C: Innovation Delivery), this session will simulate what it really takes to turn an innovative idea into a regulated, usable medical product.
Participants will step into the roles of HealthTech innovators, tackling live challenges across design constraints, machine learning, safety claims, regulatory classification, and NHS adoption pathways. Whether you’re new to product development or deep in the field, you’ll walk away with real-world insights into navigating the complexities of building compliant, clinically valuable solutions.

Smallfry – The Old School Building, School Street, Wolston, Coventry, West Midlands CV8 3HF

Speakers

Steve May-Russell – Smallfry

Luke French – System C

Al Mills – Sequel Consultants

David Hawkins – Sotas

This workshop is designed for:

Early-stage HealthTech founders and R&D teams
Clinicians, AHPs and academic researchers interested in device development
Digital health and software innovators
Regulatory and quality professionals
NHS innovation leads and procurement decision-makers
Design engineers and human factors specialists

Please note this workshop will have a videographer and photographer on site

Max bookings; 50

Shaping the Future of Healthcare: Robotics, AI, and MedTech Innovation in the West Midlands
2025-09-16 14:00 - 15:40 | School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
We are excited to invite you to a distinguished event hosted by the West Midlands Robotics and Autonomous Systems Cluster (led by the University of Birmingham and the Manufacturing Technology Centre).
The West Midlands, boasts a robust MedTech manufacturing sector, making it the largest concentration of MedTech businesses in the UK and the second-largest employer in this field.
Robotics, Automation, and Artificial Intelligence offer significant potential to deliver real-time improvements in addressing the challenges faced by the NHS, particularly those arising from an ageing population and increasing demand for healthcare services. Cutting-edge robotics and automation systems are poised to transform medical and healthcare operations by enhancing precision, efficiency, and patient care.
This event will feature presentations from three innovative start-ups engaged in the automation of healthcare, followed by a panel discussion exploring the challenges and opportunities within this field.

What's Your Blood Type? Pop-up with NHS Blood and Transplant team
2025-09-16 11:00 - 14:00 | Birmingham Health Innovation Campus (BHIC), Birmingham Health Innovation Campus (BHIC) Selly Oak,, Birmingham, West Midlands, B29 6SQ, United Kingdom
Did you know there are 8 main blood types?
Whether you’re curious about your own blood type or just want to learn more about the different types out there – the NHS Blood and Transplant team will be on hand to answer any questions, provide advice & information and there will even be the opportunity to find out your own blood type!
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to discover more about this fascinating aspect of your health!

From Hype to Health – Investing in Technologies That Actually Scale
2025-09-16 10:30 - 23:30 | Alpha Works Board Room, Floor 22, Alpha Tower, Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham, B1 1TT
The focus will be on how to distinguish scalable health tech from short-term trends, with a mix of investors and founders sharing what commercial and clinical success really looks like.
Speakers include:
Amanda Marie Cardinale – Investment Consultant at Midlands Mindforge
Dr Rob Hornby – Investor at Mercia Ventures
Prof Rob Neely – Founder and CSO of Tagomics
Dr. Farnaz Behroozi – Dr. Farnaz Behroozi is an execution-focused leader in pharma and life sciences, with deep expertise in strategy, financial analysis, and operational transformation. She currently serves as Head of Pharma at Huma Therapeutics, a billion-dollar digital health company backed by AstraZeneca, Bayer, Hitachi Ventures, Sony, and others. At Huma, she drives global commercial strategy, secures multimillion-dollar partnerships, shapes co-investments , and leads national-level digital health collaborations. Prior to Huma, Farnaz held strategic consulting roles at top global firms, including BCG, McKinsey & Company, and Deloitte. In these positions, she advised leading pharmaceutical companies on innovation, digital transformation, R&D optimization, sales excellence, and operational turnarounds, consistently delivering measurable growth and efficiency improvements. She holds an Executive MBA from London Business School, a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from EPFL and Sharif University, and advanced degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Physics from the University of California.

Roundtable - Leveraging Arden Cross to Maximise Economic Growth
2025-09-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Rolls Royce Control Systems, Rolls Royce Control Systems, 5000 Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham, West Midlands, B37 7YH, United Kingdom
UK Central (Solihull council) event
Invitation only, places are limited, free event, with expressions of interest to be sent to business@solihull.gov.uk

Unlocking Innovation: Life Sciences Research in the NHS
2025-09-16 09:40 - 14:30 | PHTA, Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, Aston Webb Boulevard, Selly Oak, Birmingham, West Midlands, B29 6SQ, United Kingdom
Join Health Innovation West Midlands for a dynamic roundtable symposium exploring how the NHS is advancing life sciences research across the West Midlands—with a spotlight on real-world examples from Staffordshire & Shropshire, Coventry & Warwickshire, and Birmingham.
Bringing together leaders from industry, academia, and the NHS, this event will showcase how applied research is driving innovation and improving outcomes across the region. We’ll explore mechanisms that support the adoption of research into practice, highlight successful collaborations, and discuss how to build stronger partnerships between innovators, the NHS, and research institutions.
Through insightful discussion and knowledge-sharing, delegates will:

Discover how NHS organisations are shaping the life sciences ecosystem across the West Midlands
Hear practical examples of applied research making an impact locally
Explore industry perspectives on collaboration and innovation
Identify effective routes for partnership development
Learn strategies for mobilising knowledge into frontline healthcare

Speakers at this event include
🔹Jonathan Pearson – Chair, Health Innovation West Midlands
🔹Professor Alex Richter – Director of the Clinical Immunology Services, University of Birmingham
🔹Krysia Dziedzic – Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Impact), SSHERPa
🔹Jeff Bousfield – CEO, Nonacus
🔹Professor Lewis Gough – Professor of Nutrition and Physiology & Academic Lead for Research Excellence Framework, Birmingham City University
🔹Professor John Howl – Professor of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University
🔹Judith Stewart – Director of Economic, Commercial and Business Development, Health Innovation West Midlands
Whether you’re an NHS research lead, academic, or industry partner, this symposium offers a valuable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and accelerate applied research in healthcare.

Navigating development pathways of Medical Devices and Technologies
2025-09-16 09:30 - 12:30 | Institute of Translational Medicine, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TH, United Kingdom
Medical Devices Testing and Evaluation Centre (MD-Tec) are hosting this insightful event
Details:
9:00 Arrival and registration
9:30 Welcome – Professor Tom Clutton Brock, Clinical Director of the NIHR HRC DDR & Medical Devices Testing and Evaluation Centre (MD-TEC)
9:40 Developing Medical Devices and Technologies and how to navigate the development pathway – Professor Tom Clutton Brock
10:20 Digital Technology and the essential role of patient and public involvement and engagement – Dr Jonathan Gregory, Digital Theme Lead, NIHR HRC DDR
10:50 Tours of MD-TEC/HRC
11:30 Close

Protecting Innovation: Patents and Trials in Life Sciences
2025-09-16 09:00 - 11:35 | The Colmore Building, The Colmore Building 20 Colmore Circus, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 6AT, United Kingdom
In Life Sciences, innovation drives progress—but without protection, valuable discoveries risk being lost or misused.
Hosted by WTW, this seminar explores how companies can safeguard their breakthroughs through two critical avenues: patent protection and clinical trial integrity. We’ll examine how patents secure intellectual property, foster investment, and maintain competitive advantage, while clinical trial governance ensures ethical standards, data reliability, and regulatory compliance. By balancing legal strategy with scientific rigour, organisations can protect their innovations from development to delivery.
Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating IP frameworks, mitigating risks in trial design, and aligning protection strategies with business goals. Whether you’re in R&D, legal, or leadership, this session offers a clear roadmap for securing the future of Life Sciences innovation.
Key Features:-
1. Patent Protection in Life Sciences

Importance of Patents: Critical for biotech, pharma, and diagnostics.
Strategic Filing: Guidance on when and how to file patents.
Complementary Tools: Use of trade secrets alongside patents.
Expert Insights: Real-world case studies and live Q&A.

2. Clinical Trials and Insurance

Regulatory Awareness: MHRA guidance and ABPI updates.
Insurance Requirements: Coverage needs for UK and international trials.
Risk Mitigation: Navigating evolving clinical trial landscapes.

3. Networking and Collaboration

Cross-sector Engagement: Connect with professionals in life sciences, legal, and insurance.
Expert Panels: Insights from WTW, Marks & Clerk, and Chubb Insurance.

Learning Objectives:-
By attending this seminar, delegates will learn about:
1. Patent Protection in Life Sciences

Importance of Patents: Patents are critical for safeguarding innovation in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics.
Strategic Filing: Knowing when and how to file patents is essential to protect intellectual property.
Complementary Tools: Trade secrets can enhance an IP strategy alongside patents.
Expert Insights: Real-world case studies and Q&A provide practical understanding of legal and commercial challenges.

2. Clinical Trials and Insurance Regulatory Awareness: Understanding MHRA guidance and ABPI updates is vital for compliance.

Insurance Requirements: Specific coverage is needed for clinical trials, especially those conducted outside the UK.
Risk Mitigation: Awareness of evolving clinical trial landscapes helps companies navigate risks effectively.

3. Networking and Collaboration

The event fosters connections among professionals in the life sciences, legal, and insurance sectors.
Opportunities to engage with experts from WTW, Marks & Clerk, and Chubb Insurance.

Key Speakers:-
Hannah Williams (WTW) with experts from:

WTW – Covering insights on clinical trial insurance and regulatory compliance.
Marks & Clerk – contributing to the patent protection session.
Chubb Insurance – Providing expertise on insurance requirements for clinical trials.

RBC Brewin Dolphin Investment Breakfast
2025-09-16 08:30 - 10:00 | RBC Brewin Dolphin, RBC Brewin Dolphin, The Chatwin Building, 6th Floor, 81 Colmore Row,, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 2AP, United Kingdom
This is an invite only event aimed at professionals, business owners, investors and the like.There is no cost to attend.
Speaker Profile: Ben James
Investment Specialist Director from Baillie Gifford
Ben is an investment specialist for Ballie Gifford’s US Equity Growth Strategy. He also chairs the US Equity Growth Product Group and has been a member of the team since 2016. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2015.
Please note that registration does not guarantee attendance. All registrations will be reviewed, and confirmed guests will receive an official confirmation email. We kindly ask that you wait for this confirmation before making any travel arrangements
Places are limited, so please submit your expressions of interest in attending to emma.skitt@brewin.co.uk

Innovation, Funding and Opportunities in the Life Sciences - Roundtable hosted by the Technology Supply Chain
2025-09-16 07:30 - 10:00 | Hotel Du Vin, 25 Church Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 2NR, United Kingdom
Speakers: Prof Gino Martini from PHTA, Judith Stewart from Health Innovation West Midlands, Ewa Truchanowicz from Bidshaper and Esther Lawrence from TBAT Innovation.
Join us to gain valuable insights into innovation in the life sciences from new lab facilities to AI.
Hear about the amazing programmes available to support innovation in this vital sector.
Get the lowdown on the grants and funding available to help companies innovate.
This is your opportunity to share your thoughts and help shape the future over a delicious breakfast.
Places are strictly limited so please register your interest by emailing richard@technologysupplychain.co.uk

WMHTIA and Life Sciences Social
2025-09-15 17:30 - 20:00 | Hotel Du Vin, 25 Church Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 2NR, United Kingdom
Join us for an exclusive evening with the Technology Supply Chain celebrating innovation within the sector as part of Life Sciences Week. This engaging innovation social is your opportunity to mix with key players, disruptors, and forward-thinking professionals driving innovation across life sciences. Enjoy a relaxed yet vibrant setting in Hotel du Vin, complete with complimentary drinks and canapés, while expanding your network and gaining fresh insights into the exciting future for Life Sciences in the region.
The evening includes a short briefing highlighting the latest trends and innovation breakthroughs impacting the life sciences with a focus on AI.
Whether you’re a business innovator, investor, or curious collaborator, this event offers valuable connections and perspectives to spark new possibilities.
Spaces are limited – register early to secure your place!

Conference Launch Event
2025-09-15 11:00 - 16:00 | Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham, B4 7AP, United Kingdom
Join Us for the Launch of Life Sciences Week!
We’re excited to kick off Life Sciences Week with a dynamic launch event bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders. The event will feature insightful keynote speeches from top experts, engaging panel discussions on the latest trends and challenges, and valuable networking opportunities to connect with peers and potential collaborators. Whether you’re a researcher, entrepreneur, investor, or policymaker, this is your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of life sciences.
Alongside the main programme, an exhibition will be running throughout the day at Millennium Point, showcasing a diverse range of exhibitors who are eager to engage with delegates. This is a unique opportunity to explore new advances in the life sciences sector, discover the support available, and uncover collaborative opportunities.
Full line-up to be announced, but includes:
1) Professor Gino Martini, CEO, PHTA Ltd
Gino joined PHTA Ltd from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), where he held the role of Chief Scientist for more than three years. With extensive experience in oncology, rare and infectious diseases, and drug development, Gino also brings expertise in policy development and external advocacy to his appointment in Birmingham. An experienced academic, Gino has also held senior development and advisory positions within industry, including GSK, Roche and SmithKline Beecham.
2) John McGrath, a surgeon in Bristol and an NHS England adviser on robotic surgery
He is actively involved in promoting and implementing robotic surgery within the NHS. He chairs the NHS England robotic surgery steering committee and sits on the Royal College of Surgeons robotic and digital surgery (RADAR) group. His work focuses on expanding access to robotic surgery across the country, ensuring equitable access for all patients, and increasing the expertise of the NHS workforce in this technology.
John’s roles and contributions include:

NHS England Advisor. John serves as an advisor to NHS England on robotic surgery, helping to develop and implement national strategies for its use.
Robotic Surgery Steering Committee Chair. He chairs the NHS England robotic surgery steering committee, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of robotic surgery across the country. As Chair, he works closely with NICE, the Government Office for Life Sciences and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Surgeons RADAR Group. John is also a member of the Royal College of Surgeons RADAR group, which focuses on robotic and digital surgery. He and his colleagues are working to ensure that patients in all parts of England, including those in more deprived areas, have access to robotic surgery.
National Clinical Lead for Urology – NHS England GIRFT Programme
Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol and the University of Exeter
Former Clinical Director of the Southwest Genomic Medicine Service

3) Victoria Gosling, Chair of Invictus Games
Vicky has a distinguished career spanning leadership roles in sport, the military, and business. Vicky started her career in the Royal Air Force, where she completed 21 years of service, reaching the prestigious rank of Group Captain. She went on to be Military Executive Lead for the inaugural Invictus Games in 2014 and then CEO of the 2016 Games, inspiring participation from 14 nations and over 400 athletes.
Currently, Vicky is Chief Executive of GB Snowsport, Chair of GB Surfing, Custodian of the Rugby Centurions, and a Board Director for the Jockey Club at Aintree Racecourse and Lost Shores surf resort. She also sits on the British Olympic Association Board as Urban Sports Advisor.
Beyond sport, Vicky has held senior roles at Sage Global and in FinTech, advocating for inclusion and fair finance access. Victoria’s contributions earned her an MBE in 2004 and an OBE in 2014.
Colonel Victoria Moorhouse, Commanding Officer of the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine
4) Judith Stewart, Commercial Business and Economic Development Director, Health Innovation West Midlands
Commercial Business and Economic Development Director, Health Innovation West Midlands. Before this, she has spent her 25+ year career developing and delivering programmes in economic growth, employment and skills, voluntary sector and community development in the public and private sectors. She has significant experience in supporting businesses to grow, developing strategic responses to government policy and leading teams to achieve. She has also run an Arts Centre, theatre and cinema, working with local artists to support access to markets, and provided routes to £8m of European funding for organisations and businesses in Cornwall.
5) Colonel Victoria Moorhouse KHP

Colonel Vicky Moorhouse, an Army Officer and Physiotherapist, is currently the Commanding Officer of the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine based with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust and the Head of Army Allied Health Professionals and Technical Trades.
Colonel Moorhouse graduated from Coventry University in 1998 and commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Physiotherapist in 1999.
In her military career, Colonel Moorhouse has served in hospital and close support medical units. She has deployed on numerous overseas exercises in Oman, Canada, Germany France, and the US. Operationally, she has deployed to Bosnia on Op PALATINE, OP BANNER in Northern Ireland and as OC Task Force Helmand Medical Squadron to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK.
In the UK, Colonel Moorhouse has served in a variety of roles, mostly in operational planning and delivery and Capability Development. Roles have included the Medical COVID lead to Chief Joint Operations in the Permanent Joint HQ and latterly as the Senior Medical Advisor to Commander Field Army. She is currently the Commanding Officer of the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine based with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, and the Head of Army Allied Health Professionals and Technical Trades.
An alum of the Defence Academy, Top Flight Programme, Windsor Leadership Trust and a Fellow of the Halifax Security Forum, she is passionate about leadership and developing future leaders through coaching and mentoring. She has recently been appointed by His Majesty as a King’s Honorary Physician to the Royal Household.
6) David McIntosh, Founder and Chair of United Plasma Action

David McIntosh is a healthcare advocate and campaigner, and the founder and Chairman of United Kingdom Plasma Action (UKPA). A lifelong blood donor and former General Manager of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, he led the successful campaign for UK-donor plasma to be approved for use in life-saving medicines, with the first treatments reaching NHS hospitals in 2025. Through United Plasma Action, its international spin-off, he now works to expand access to plasma-derived medicines worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and advises the global plasma community.
With over 50 years’ experience in management, research, and business leadership across healthcare, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, David has worked internationally in both public and private sectors. He has chaired and served on numerous professional, academic, and industry boards, and is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, a Fellow of the RSA, and a member of the Institute of Health and Social Care Management. Educated at Oxford, UWS, and the LSE
7) Professor Neil Hanley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Medicine & Health at the University of Birmingham, Executive Director of Birmingham Health Partners and a Consultant Endocrinologist in the NHS
Before arriving in Birmingham, Neil was Director of Research and Innovation at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and Vice-Dean (Research and Innovation) in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at the University of Manchester. He has also served on the Council of his UK professional body, the Society for Endocrinology, and on the Board of the International Society of Endocrinology. He is a past president of the Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland.
An expert in early human development and aspects of stem cell biology, Neil held personal fellowships for 16 years from Wellcome and the UK Government, plus funding from multiple UK Government Research Councils. His research outputs in leading journals have accumulated over 14,000 citations. His recent partnership with Innovate UK and industry leaders has translated collaborative discovery science into novel diagnostics for the early detection of liver disease and the launch of a start-up company.
Neil has a passion for education and training. He has authored textbooks, established academies in both Manchester and Birmingham for those embarking on their own research careers, directed the clinical Wellcome-funded PhD programme across four Russell Group universities, led the future vision of NIHR’s 2016 national review of training, and chairs the Cell Biology, Physiology, Data and Tools Early Career Advisory Group at Wellcome. At home, he is a school governor and has run a course for the last six years, helping teenagers across Macclesfield prepare for university entry into medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.
Neil recognises the critical role of innovation and engagement in Health & Life Sciences. In Manchester, he worked alongside the broader civic leadership to place industries within the university and NHS setting. He is now continuing this work on health and economic growth in the West Midlands through Birmingham Health Partners, heading up the health theme in the partnership between the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Football Club, and leading the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus as part of a comprehensive Health & Life Sciences District.
8) Dace Dimza-Jones, National Life Sciences Specialist within the UK Government’s Global Entrepreneur Programme
In this role, Dace supports internationally mobile tech entrepreneurs and their IP-rich businesses to scale and grow from a UK-based global headquarters.
Dace plays a pivotal role in attracting and increasing investment in the UK’s Life Sciences sector, helping to advance the country’s strategic ambitions in this field. She works closely with businesses, providing tailored support and guidance on establishing or expanding their UK presence. Her work includes enabling regional partnerships, connecting investors with live opportunities and industry contacts, and identifying optimal investment locations.
Through her engagement with global networks and thought leaders across regional systems, Dace leads the Life Sciences portfolio and sets the operational strategy for the UK. Her efforts are aligned with the UK’s inward investment objectives in Life Sciences and priority international markets. Dace’s expertise spans over 30 therapeutic areas across primary, secondary, and social care settings. She supports a wide range of innovators and enterprises in pharmaceuticals, MedTech, digital health, and biotechnology.
9) Dr Dhruv Parekh Acute Care Research Group at the University of Birmingham, is Medical Director of Research and Innovation at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Director of the NIHR Birmingham Clinical Research Facility, Deputy Director of the NIHR Central and North West Midlands Commercial Research Delivery Centre.
Dhruv leads a programme of research from discovery to clinical trials in critical care and respiratory medicine, leading the Acute Care Research Group at the University of Birmingham. As Medical Director of Research and Innovation at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Director of the NIHR Birmingham Clinical Research Facility, Deputy Director of the NIHR Central and North West Midlands Commerical Research Delivery Centre, he enables and oversees the delivery of a diverse portfolio of academic and industry-led research. His work involves engaging with the NHS, universities, funding and regulatory bodies, charities, and industry partners. Dhruv is an alumni of the Academy of Medical Sciences Future Leaders in Innovation, Enterprise and Research (FLIER) programme (FLIER), supported by the Government Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). He is passionate about improving healthcare with novel solutions and working across boundaries of the life sciences-sector
10) Tiffany Jones, Assistant Director Plasma Marketing and Communications at NHS Blood and Transplant.
Tiffany has been in the NHS (National Health Service) for over 25 years, joining NHS Blood and Transplant in the summer of 2023.
In the 15 years prior, she led Communications and Engagement in two large NHS teaching hospitals in the East Midlands. Her expertise is in media relations, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, brand management, employee engagement and culture change.
11) Virginia Castilla Llorente PhD
A scientist and a senior biotech executive with more than 20 years of experience steering research growth in both academia and business Environments.
Free to attend.

AI Hub Cohort 2 : Selection Day
2025-09-15 11:00 - 13:00 | Institute of Data and AI, Elm House, University of Birmingham, 351 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B5 7SW, United Kingdom
We are delighted to invite you to the Selection Day Pitch for the second cohort of the University of Birmingham’s HealthTech AI Hub.
• Name of event: AI Hub Cohort 2 : Selection Day
• Location: Institute of Data and AI, Elm House, University of Birmingham
Target audience:
• Registered innovators
• Academics working in AI and Digital health
• Investors
• Local healthcare stakeholders
The HealthTech AI Hub is a co-development ecosystem based within the College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham. Funded by the West Midlands HealthTech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA), we support the creation of responsible, scalable AI and digital health solutions through industry-academia collaboration.
This year, we are expanding our impact—working alongside strategic partners, including:

Investor networks: Plug and Play, MidVen.
Technology providers: Cogniss, AWS
Regulatory experts: CERSI-AI, Scarlett, Element.
Academic Expert Groups: HealthTech AIHub, Institute of Data and AI

Cohort 2 highlights include:

Tailored support for AI product development from leading academic experts
Accelerated development of digital health MVPs
Regulatory guidance for software/AI as a medical device
Talent-matching and internship opportunities for students
Industry project collaborations
Investor pitch sessions for academic spinouts
Opportunity to prototype solutions during the Spring 2026 Hackathon

We will kick off with companies pitching on 📅 15th September 2025 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) for a place in AI Hub Cohort 2.
Agenda:
Introduction to the AIHub & the Program

Introduction to the Key Partners
Innovators Pitch
Networking & Lunch

We would be thrilled to have you join us and explore collaborative opportunities with the next generation of health tech innovators.
In partnership with Plug and Play, Cersi-AI, Midven, Cogniss
