Why Yorkshire MedTech?

A Thriving UK Hub for Medical Technology Innovation

Yorkshire is home to one of the UK’s leading MedTech ecosystems, combining world-class research facilities, extensive clinical expertise, and a deeply embedded commercial sector. This regional strength creates unique opportunities for translational research.

Yorkshire MedTech in Numbers

Academic Excellence

Research-Intensive Universities

5 (Leeds, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Hull)

Annual Research Income Value

£50m+ active EPSRC grants related to medical technologies between University of Leeds and Sheffield

Over 20% of the University of Leeds research income relates to healthcare technologies, with MedTech being a particular focus. The University holds the third largest EPSRC HealthTech grant portfolio in the UK.

The University of Sheffield has a strong track record in MedTech research and is the 2nd largest regional player after the University of Leeds in terms of EPSRC funding in the MedTech area, with particular strengths in advanced medical devices, imaging, applications for AI, diagnosis/detection, and manufacturing.

Over 400 researchers and clinicians come together in the Insigneo Institute at University of Sheffield, driving innovative research at the interface of healthcare, engineering and science to transform health.

Commercial Sector

Regional MedTech Companies

250+ established businesses

Sector Employment

16,000+ jobs

Annual Sector Turnover

£2 billion+

The region has the second highest employment in MedTech after the South East.

Clinical Infrastructure

NIHR Biomedical Research Centres & Healthtech Research Centres

5 across Leeds and Sheffield totalling over £40m investment in dedicated biomedical and MedTech-related research infrastructure

Strategic Advantages of the Yorkshire Cluster

Collaborative Research Culture

Yorkshire’s universities have established strong collaborative relationships and research networks. This culture of collaboration extends to NHS partnerships, with embedded research teams in major hospitals. Projects benefit from cross-institutional expertise without geographical barriers.

Direct Clinical Access

Acute and community NHS trusts across Yorkshire provide diverse clinical environments for testing and validation. Academic researchers maintain active relationships with clinical staff, enabling rapid study setup and recruitment. This direct access significantly accelerates the path from laboratory to patient benefit.

Commercial Translation Ecosystem

Yorkshire’s established MedTech commercial sector provides mentorship, partnership opportunities, and practical commercialisation expertise. Over 250 companies operate in the region, from early-stage startups to international corporations. This creates a fertile and proven environment for spinout and licensing.

Specialist Support Infrastructure

The region hosts specialist organisations including Medipex (regulatory and reimbursement guidance), Medilink Yorkshire (sector networking), holds close links with ABHI (industry body) and dedicated technology transfer offices and commercialisation programmes at each university. This infrastructure provides expert support throughout the innovation journey, from initial IP protection through to investment, internationalisation and market entry.

Leverage Our Regional Ecosystem

Access unparalleled support from Yorkshire's collaborative MedTech community.