The National Institute for Health and Care Research Innovation Observatory (NIHR IO) is a world-leading national health and social care innovation scanning centre, providing data-driven insights to foster innovation and equitable access to high-quality health care.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, based in the Newcastle Helix innovation district, and hosted by Newcastle University, our NIHR Innovation Observatory develops and shares cutting-edge methods in horizon scanning to identify, capture, and synthesise intelligence on new health innovations.
What is Horizon Scanning?
Horizon Scanning is a method that systematically searches for and analyses signs of important developments and trends to help us to strategise and plan for the future.
In healthcare, these developments can include new medicines, repurposed medicines, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health tools, and other types of innovative interventions. The intelligence and insights provided by horizon scanning allow decision-makers to anticipate upcoming changes in healthcare so that they can respond to challenges and opportunities in an informed and strategic manner.
Why is Horizon Scanning so valuable to industry?
Industry engagement is a key strand of the work we do. Our research, publications, data and insights are crucial for both large corporations and small businesses. Horizon Scanning can be used to inform strategic and market foresight, business development and growth, research and development and investment, funding, grant applications, and pitch decks.
Engage through free industry events
Our industry events, conferences, workshops, and forums bring together large corporations and small businesses with professionals in horizon scanning for healthcare. Whether you’re a health research expert exploring emerging trends or a small or medium-sized business in health and life sciences seeking a new direction, we’re here to connect you.
Discover what businesses are gaining from attending NIHR Innovation Observatory events in this short video.
Our work with industry
Working closely with national partners such as the Health Innovation Hubs and Higher Education institutions we connect industry and signpost them to the help they need.
Last year, a group of health and life science sector businesses took part in our Industry Sprint; a week-long series of sessions with our team and experts from the wider ecosystem. We guided them through how to use our data and resources to aid a detailed market assessment, competitive market, and gap analysis. By bringing in funding experts they were able to utilise this evidence in their grant applications and investor pitches.
Read on for details of the four fantastic businesses we engaged with and what outcomes they achieved from the sprint.
Light-activated chemotherapy for treatment of early-stage mouth cancers
LightOx has developed new light-activated drug compounds and targeted treatment for early-stage and pre-cancerous lesions. They are currently completing pre-clinical testing. LightOx has incorporated the information they gained from using NIHRIO’s resources into their investment and funding pitches. Read the full case study here
Life beyond the lines: A lesson in how tough situations allow us to find solutions
Tiny Teas Trust Founder and Inventor Caitlin Shorricks has created a garment explicitly designed for babies and children called The Choob Toob. Her invention keeps the central line clean, securely in place, and away from little hands – giving parents peace of mind and reducing the risk of infection.
With help from NIHRIO, Tiny Teas Trust produced a competitive market analysis, a report, and a finalised study achieved by horizon scanning. This resulted in them gaining intelligence around sustainability within the clothing industry, registering as a charity, and exploring potential funding sources. Read the full case study here
Advancing Diagnostics with NIHRIO Support
ESPDx is revolutionising diagnostic tools with scalable liquid-biopsy tests. This cutting-edge technology delivers unparalleled sensitivity and specificity, enabling the early detection of neurological disorders like Lewy Body Disorders (Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia) and providing differentiated diagnoses for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Through the sprint, ESPDx gained critical insights into the competitive landscape of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diagnostics. This helped them identify key players in the market, analyse their strengths and weaknesses, and pin-point actionable opportunities to stand out. Read the full case study here
Building Better Biology: MarraBio
MarraBio specialises in industrial cell engineering to advance medical research and treatments. Founded in 2023 as a spin-out Newcastle University, it focuses on the Chromatin Assembly Factor-1 (CAF-1) protein, a key technology for understanding DNA repair and organization, with potential to drive new therapies.
Taking part in the sprint enabled MarraBio to complete a competitive market analysis, a report and a finalised study achieved by horizon scanning. The reports contained in-depth competitor information, signposting Marrabio to potential grants, schemes and funders including charity funding across the globe. Read the full case study here
For more information visit our industry page
To register for our FREE industry events visit the collection on Eventbrite
