::  CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS 20 MARCH 2026  ::

(Click on the Award Title for application form)

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.
 

The Award categories are:

Start Up Award

Sponsor | P3 Medical  

For newly established companies in the healthcare sector that show a promising future.
Applicants must have been trading no more than 3 years.

Innovation Award

Sponsor | Greaves Brewster

 For the development of innovative technology, design and/or processes that have produced a major improvement in business performance and impacted the market. Achievements may be assessed based on the invention, design, production, performance of service (including advice), marketing distribution and after-sales support.

Partnership Between Academia & Business Award

Sponsor | Institute of Bio-Sensing Technology

For demonstrating how a partnership or collaboration between an academic institution and a business has (or will have) enhanced current service delivery or created new ways of delivering healthcare.

Applications should include details of the technologies employed, details of the partnerships needed to make this happen, and improvements to patient care experienced as a result.

Advances in Digital Healthcare Award

Sponsor | Hazlewoods

For demonstrating how a partnership or collaboration between an academic institution and a business has (or will have) enhanced current service delivery or created new ways of delivering healthcare.

Applications should include details of the technologies employed, details of the partnerships needed to make this happen, and improvements to patient care experienced as a result.

Partnership with the NHS Award

Sponsor | Health Innovation West of England

For the development of a partnership in collaboration with the NHS that has/will have a major impact or benefit.

Applicants should demonstrate how their work has improved patient care and/or efficiencies in the primary, secondary and community care environment. Applications should include evidence of partnerships and technologies employed. 

One to Watch Award - chosen by MLSW Chair

Sponsor | Medilink South West

The One to Watch Award recognises those companies that deserve special recognition for their contribution to the sector and achievements in the previous year.

If you have entered or won an award before don't hesitate and apply for a different category or two! 

Send completed applications to julie.maggs@uwe.ac.uk

Applying for new categories is a powerful way to showcase how your business has evolved and applying for multiple categories not only increases your chances of winning but also reinforces your brand to clients and the healthtech industry. 

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.

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.

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!