In a strong signal of the UK’s ambitions for MedTech, today Lord Vallance and Minister Ahmed brought together some of the industry’s most senior figures at the Royal Society, to discuss how government and the sector can work together to drive growth, and cement the UK as a hotbed of MedTech innovation.

Leaders heard how the UK is driving towards its goal of becoming Europe’s leading Life Sciences economy by 2030, with MedTech central to this mission. Through the Life Sciences Sector Plan and the 10‑Year Health Plan, the Government is backing innovation with renewed scale and clarity. They also received updates on the UK’s wider programme of MedTech regulatory reform, including the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, which has launched a Call for Evidence to shape its 2026 recommendations. This was alongside briefings on the next phase of the AI Airlock and forthcoming MHRA consultations aimed at modernising and streamlining the regulation of medical devices in the UK.

The Government is also reforming how high-impact health technologies reach NHS patients by introducing a clear, predictable national route for adoption. Through the new HealthTech Rules-Based Pathway, clinically and cost-effective technologies will be reimbursed consistently across the NHS, ending postcode variation and ensuring proven innovations can be rolled out at pace where they meet the system’s most urgent needs.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “MedTech is making the UK healthier and wealthier. That’s why it sits at the centre of the Life Sciences Plan, which is key to this Government’s work to renew the NHS and deliver economic growth.

“More and more global MedTech innovators are choosing the UK because of our world‑class science, our pro‑investment policies and our commitment to faster, clearer regulation. They will help reduce pressure on the health service, strengthen UK manufacturing, and create high‑skilled jobs across the country. Medtech is essential for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and for treatments across a wide range of diseases.”

Health and Innovation Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said: “After 20 years working in the NHS, I know firsthand how vital it is that patients receive the latest MedTech quickly and safely.

“This new pathway will ensure we are one step closer to ending the postcode lottery so patients get access to the most effective innovations, regardless of where they live.

“This is our 10 Year Health Plan in action shifting the NHS from analogue to digital and ensuring we have a health service that is fit for the future.”

The UK has a well‑established and closely connected MedTech R&D ecosystem, underpinned by strong links with the NHS and supported by dedicated infrastructure such as the Catapults, HealthTech Research Centres, and the national Research Delivery Network. The country’s rich health data assets, which will be increasingly supported through the Health Data Research Service, will help streamline the generation of robust evidence for diagnostics and devices.

Once innovations are ready for market, the Government is taking steps to support their production in the UK. The Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund is set to unlock major investments, while the Transformational R&D Hub is designed to further reduce capital risk as it scales and begins to support major projects.

All of this means that more MedTech firms are looking to the UK – like Convatec, who recently announced a £500 million UK investment, including a new R&D hub in Manchester.

To go further, the UK is streamlining regulatory routes to get MedTech to patients faster. Products already approved in trusted jurisdictions such as the US, Canada and Australia will benefit from faster access to the Great Britain market. Manufacturers will have more predictable routes through regulatory bodies MHRA and NICE, which are becoming more closely aligned to support innovation.

At the same time, the UK is establishing itself as a global frontrunner in emerging areas such as software and AI as medical devices. New Health Innovation Zones will enable innovators to trial, adopt and scale technologies in partnership with local NHS systems, ensuring the UK remains the best place to launch cutting‑edge MedTech.

Peter Ellingworth, Chief Executive of the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), said: “Today’s meeting, and the frank and open approach adopted by ministers, sent a strong message that the UK is serious about recognising the role HealthTech has to play in the delivery of high-quality care for NHS patients, and committed to improving the business environment for companies.

“What we must do now is engage the NHS to ensure that the ambitions of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10 Year Health Plan are fully realised. ABHI and its members will focus all available resources to support the delivery of both.

“Health Tech is not only a cornerstone of the Government’s industrial strategy, it is essential to enable the three shifts that are required to ensure the future sustainability of our NHS.”

Helen Dent, Chief Executive of the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA), said: “Driving health innovation is critical to ensuring that UK patients receive earlier diagnoses, which can prevent illness and disease, improve outcomes, and enhance productivity across the NHS.

“As the voice of the UK’s in vitro diagnostic industry, BIVDA welcomed today’s discussion with ministers, reinforcing our shared ambition to build upon the UK’s position as a global leader in life sciences and make our nation an even better place to develop and scale health innovations.

“Our industry is committed to working with the Government, guided by the Life Sciences Sector Plan and the NHS 10-Year Plan, to ensure these ambitions are fulfilled – delivering economic growth, scaling-up UK diagnostics businesses, and bringing the latest diagnostic innovations to patients, whether in their home, a community setting or hospital.”