The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre
Technological innovations have the potential to revolutionise healthcare services for everyone. The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Sustainable Innovation (HRC) is a partnership between the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Exeter, designed to streamline the development pipeline from prototype to commercial product.
About us
The HRC is one of 14 newly established research centres across England with the objective of driving innovation in health technology. Our purpose is to work with businesses to support the development of medical devices, diagnostics and digital technologies, accelerating the regulatory approvals process and smoothing the adoption pathway into the NHS and other healthcare institutions.
Innovation in action
More About us
Patients front and centre
We use patient and physician feedback to improve usability, effectiveness and adoption leading to better products and an evidence base that aims to speed up the regulatory approval process.
Our core themes
The work of the HRC focuses on four core themes, which include projects focused on:
- Diagnostics and biomarkers
- Data-led research, ai and digital innovation
- Rehabilitation and frailty
- Sustainable innovation
A track record of innovation
Exeter Hip Stem: This hip replacement project, pioneered by the Royal Devon and the University of Exeter has transformed the lives of more than 2M patients worldwide.
Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score (T1D-GRS): We developed a simple, inexpensive and robust genetic test to predict and classify type 1 diabetes with 97% accuracy.
Capture and Recycling of Waste Volatile Anaesthetic Agents: Sagetech Medical approached us to supervise and support the validation work required to progress an innovation that would recycle anaesthetic gases
Areas of expertise
Clinical staff
We have access to some of the best clinicians in their fields with specialist interests across all areas of medical research.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)
By adopting a patient-centred approach, we place patients at the heart of HealthTech Design and Development.
Healthcare technical solutions
We co-develop and evaluate data algorithms, AI, Apps and sensor technology (on person and in environments) for use in clinical and community settings.
Infrastructure & facilities
We have systems and partnerships in place to quickly evaluate new technologies including; the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre, the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula (PenARC), the Clinical Research Network South West Peninsula, the NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility and the VSIM and Gillings centre.
Collaboration and partnerships
We work with local, national and international companies as well as regulatory bodies, NHS health and care organisations, charities and development partners
Navigating the regulatory landscape
We use our combined expertise to support the journey through regulation, reducing the time to target, collect and present evidence.
Work with us
If you are looking for access to the best health technology research infrastructure, clinical and academic expertise and a fast track route through the regulatory approvals process, then get in touch by emailing rduh.sustainableinnovation@nhs.net