The Innovation Pathway North East

The Innovation Pathway North East is a new initiative, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), developed through a formal partnership between NHS Innovations North and HIEC NE.

The Innovation Pathway North East aims to support the entire life cycle of innovation, from its conception to early stage protection of any associated IP, through to the adoption and dissemination of the innovative technology or service.

The Innovation Pathway North East will deliver a range of specialist services to support the development and commercialisation of innovative ideas and provide the unique opportunity for SMEs and NHS organisations based in the North East region to access, interact with and benefit from, the healthcare sector. In particular, The Innovation Pathway North East will deliver a brokerage between SMEs, the NHS and other healthcare organisations and the industry sector to facilitate the exploitation of newly emerging innovations, drive high technology research and support development.

Innovation in healthcare is about making a real and tangible difference to the lives of patients. This is achieved through the successful development of ideas and concepts which leads to improved services, technologies and products. New ideas can originate from many sources; including innovators in industry, commercial companies, academics within universities and healthcare professionals within the NHS. However, the uptake of new ideas can often be impeded by the lack of a recognised pathway between these ‘new ideas’ and the end user.

The patenting of new and commercially viable ideas can be a high risk strategy for businesses and organisations particularly given the current difficult economic climate. The Innovation Pathway North East provides an interface for creating a seamless transition between the identification and protection of innovative products, and the spread and dissemination of proven innovations across the North East region, thereby helping businesses and NHS organisations in the North East region to grow and expand their target sectors.

With a key aim to become the recognised vehicle for delivery of innovation in the North East healthcare arena, The Innovation Pathway North East will improve the economy of the North East region by creating wealth and job opportunities as well as improving the health and wellbeing of the region as a whole.
 

***A dedicated website is under construction and will be launched soon so please check back for updates.***

If you would like to make an enquiry about The Innovation Pathway North East you can contact the team via e-mail on enquiry@theinnovationpathwayne.org.uk or by telephone on 0191 516 4400.