Join us to celebrate the achievements of the lifesciences in the South West, network and exchange ideas with the best innovators working in medtech and come and hear about UK’s most powerful AI supercomputer and how it is aiding our understanding of disease.

Guest speaker Dr John Lees

Isambard‑AI: Powering the Future of Health & Life Sciences - reconstructing cell interactions in disease

Isambard‑AI, ranked among the world’s top supercomputers, is transforming how we tackle the most complex challenges in healthcare and life sciences. Built to accelerate research and unlock next‑generation innovation, Isambard‑AI delivers in one second what would take the entire global population 80 years to complete.

This short, engaging session will introduce how this groundbreaking system is enabling advances in understanding disease processes by modelling cell systems and protein interactions.

Led by the University of Bristol as part of the national AI Research Resource (AIRR), Isambard‑AI offers researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and innovators access to world‑leading, open‑source AI capabilities.

Who Should Attend?

Healthcare professionals • NHS digital and transformation teams • Biotech and pharma companies • Life science SMEs • Researchers • Innovators • Data scientists

Why Attend?

In just 30 minutes, learn about Isambard-AI and how you could benefit from unprecedented computational power. Be part of the community celebrating Innovation in Health and Life Science across the South West and enjoy networking opportunities in a relaxed environment.

::  Call for Applications now open  ::

As part of our commitment to the healthcare sector across the South West, we come together every year to celebrate the achievements of life science companies and showcase the very best examples of collaboration and partnership between industry, academia and the NHS. From innovative new start-ups to established industry leaders, our awards recognise those who have made a real difference to the sector in our region; whether through new technologies, outstanding partnerships or through exceptional growth.
 

Why enter?

• Gain the recognition you deserve for your achievements over the last year

• Increase your profile within the life sciences community

• Network with other healthcare and life sciences leaders

• Learn more about innovative breakthroughs happening in healthcare

• Opportunity to raise your profile nationally (Winners are automatically entered into the Medilink UK National Awards on 9th July 2026 (venue to be confirmed). 

The Award categories are:

Start Up Award

Innovation Award

Partnership Between Academia & Business Award

Advances in Digital Healthcare Award

Partnership with the NHS Award

One to Watch Award - chosen by MLSW Chair

To Apply - you can apply for more than 1 award - click on the Award above and send completed forms to julie.maggs@uwe.ac.uk

View the latest Medilink South West Newsletter - learn about new MLSW members, events, workshops funding opportunities etc. Sponsor the Medilink South West Business and Innovation Awards which will take place on 22 April 2026 - more details in the Near Year!