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Topic : Digital Health, Innovation Type : Report

The HealthTech Integrates 2026 Conference brought together NHS leaders, innovators, regulators and investors to discuss how new health technologies can be adopted and scaled across the NHS.

A key theme throughout the day was that NHS adoption depends on solving real clinical problems rather than simply introducing new technology. In the first panel, Bob Klaber (Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust) and Maria Kafali (NIHR) highlighted the complexity of the NHS, noting that innovation must navigate a fragmented system of trusts rather than a single customer. Both stressed engaging clinicians and patients early, building partnerships before products are finalised, and ensuring innovations fit into clinical pathways rather than relying on pilots alone.

Across the day, discussions also covered the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, clinical trials and AI.  Progress has been made in reducing clinical trial set-up times, helping the UK compete more effectively for global studies.  AI was identified as a major opportunity, particularly in clinical research, patient care and operational efficiency.  However, speakers noted that public trust, data governance and algorithmic bias remain key barriers to wider NHS adoption.

A panel on global HealthTech trends explored the three core shifts outlined in the plan; the shift towards prevention, community-based care and improved digital care.  Panellists pointed to several UK strengths, including diverse patient populations, strong research institutions, trusted healthcare data and the NHS itself.  Despite these advantages, concerns were raised about slow procurement processes, limited post-NICE funding routes for HealthTech, and challenges scaling successful companies within the UK.

The second session focused on regulation, with ABHI's Andrew Davies leading the first panel on regulation in the digital age.  Panellists discussed the growing complexity of the regulatory environment for digital health and AI products, including UK reforms, EU MDR requirements and emerging AI legislation.  A recurring theme throughout was the need for greater clarity and consistency.  Frequent changes in guidance were seen as a source of uncertainty for companies, investors and NHS buyers.  While most panellists believed existing regulatory frameworks can support AI innovation, they agreed that adaptive technologies will require stronger post-market monitoring and more flexible approaches to oversight.

The final session used a Dragon’s Den-style format, with four companies pitching to the audience. Technologies included Nebuflow's next-generation nebuliser for biologic drug delivery, Instance’s personalised longevity platform, Earswitch’s ear-based physiological monitoring technology, and Anisys' portable bowel continence assessment and therapy device which is already used within the NHS. Despite their different products, all four companies faced similar challenges around funding, validation, regulation and market access.

A closing NHS readiness panel reinforced that being “NHS ready” does not guarantee adoption. Speakers argued that procurement, implementation and integration into existing pathways remain significant obstacles. There were repeated calls throughout the discussion for better interoperability, more value-based procurement, and stronger support for preventative and community-based care.

Overall, the conference reinforced that the UK has many of the foundations needed to support healthcare innovation, including strong research capability, access to data and the NHS itself.  The challenge which remains is turning promising technologies into products that can be adopted and scaled across the health system.

Thank you to the organisers for delivering such an insightful event, and to the panellists for sharing their expertise and perspectives the opportunities and challenges of integrating HealthTech to help build a stronger, more sustainable NHS.

Charlotte Hart, Communications and Events Executive