We’re delighted to begin a new series of workshops that reflect these needs, topics and ambitions.
Providing practical insights for early-stage, scale-ups, and established healthtech businesses, the sessions are designed to be interactive – with plenty of opportunities to connect with peers and experts across industry, academia and the NHS. Attendees will also explore real-life case studies to expand their knowledge and skills.
Workshop themes covered in the Autumn/Winter 2026 series include:
- Funding and investment
- NHS navigation
- Product development and scaling
Find the list of workshops below:
Funding and Investment
Fundraising 101 with Lauren Hartley, Deal Manager at KPMG LLP
When: Tuesday 29 September, 10am-1pm
Location: Nexus
The workshop will take place from 10am – 12pm, followed by lunch and networking
The workshop will cover:
- What is equity fundraising? Learn when and why equity fundraising makes sense for growing start-ups
- How do funds work? Understand how angel investors, venture capital firms, and regional funds assess opportunities and evaluate founders.
- How to run an efficient fundraising process? Get practical tips for building momentum, managing your timeline and securing the right investment partners
Attendees will be encouraged to submit business scenarios in advance to help shape the discussion and make the content directly relevant to their growth journey.
A practical guide to Innovate UK funding for healthtech businesses with Vivien Badaut, Innovation & Business Development Manager at the University of Leeds and the University’s central contact for Innovate UK funding
When: Wednesday 14 October, 12pm–1pm
The workshop will be an online lunch & learn via MS Teams
This event will explore what Innovate UK funds, the different ways in which support is provided, and how its current and emerging strategy is shaping future funding priorities.
It will cover how to identify suitable innovation funding opportunities, develop strong proposals, and understand the application and delivery process. It will also explore how collaboration with the University of Leeds can support innovation projects and provide access to specialist expertise.
Legal Basics for Start-ups with Hannah Crosland, Josh Lodge and William Downs from Squire Patton Boggs, Global law firm.
When: Tuesday 20 October, 1pm–3.30pm
Location – Nexus
The workshop will take place from 1pm – 2.30pm, followed by an hour of networking.
This event will cover key legal and governance considerations for growing businesses, including cap table management, board composition and governance, intellectual property protection, investor readiness, commercial contracts, compliance, and website-related legal issues. Practical case studies will be used throughout to illustrate real-world challenges and solutions.
Beyond Grants and Investment: Unlocking Value from Innovation through R&D Tax Relief and Patent Box with Dan Burton and Tom Lea – KPMG
Wednesday 4 November, 12 – 1pm
The workshop will be an online lunch & learn via MS Teams
The session will cover:
- What qualifies as R&D for tax purposes
- Common misconceptions and pitfalls
- How R&D tax relief works for early-stage, scaling and established businesses
- The interaction between grants, equity funding and R&D tax incentives
- An introduction to Patent Box and how intellectual property can create long-term tax efficiencies
- Practical examples from innovative businesses across the sector
This interactive session will explore how health technology businesses can access valuable tax incentives designed to support innovation and growth. Attendees will be encouraged to submit questions or business scenarios in advance to help shape the discussion and make the content directly relevant to their growth journey.
NHS Navigation
An Introduction to Navigating the NHS as an Innovator
When: Tuesday 6th October 2026, 9:00am – 12:30pm
Location – Innovation Pop Up, LGI, Gilbert Scott Building, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX
The venue will be open at 9am for informal networking, where refreshments and light breakfast will be provided. The workshop will start at 9:30am.
The first in a number of events dedicated to the theme of ‘NHS Navigation’, this interactive panel session will provide an introduction to the research and evidence, that innovators need to consider when navigating the NHS. Attendees will gain an understanding of the key processes, frameworks and support available to help prepare for NHS adoption.
Your route to NHS adoption: Governance & technical readiness
When: Thursday 15th October 2026, 9:00am – 12:30pm
Location – Innovation Pop Up, LGI, Gilbert Scott Building, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX
The venue will be open at 9am for informal networking, where refreshments and light breakfast will be provided. The workshop will start at 9:30am.
This session will provide innovators with an overview of the key governance, compliance and technical requirements required for NHS adoption. Attendees will gain practical insights into the frameworks, standards and processes needed to demonstrate readiness for working with the NHS.
Understanding strategic priorities shaping the NHS landscape
Tuesday 3rd November 2026, 9:00am – 12:30pm
Location – Innovation Pop Up, LGI, Gilbert Scott Building, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX
The venue will be open at 9am for informal networking, where refreshments and light breakfast will be provided. The workshop will start at 9:30am.
This session will help innovators understand the strategic priorities shaping healthcare delivery across Leeds and West Yorkshire, where their innovation fits within the evolving NHS landscape, and how to develop a strong business case to support adoption. Attendees will gain practical insights into demonstrating value, calculating benefits and presenting a compelling case for change.
From innovation to adoption: Navigating NHS commissioning and procurement
Tuesday 1st December 2026, 9:00am – 12:30pm
Location – Innovation Pop Up, LGI, Gilbert Scott Building, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX
The venue will be open at 9am for informal networking, where refreshments and light breakfast will be provided. The workshop will start at 9:30am.
This session will provide innovators with a practical understanding of how commissioning and procurement decisions are made within the NHS, and what is required to move from pilot projects to sustainable adoption at scale. Attendees will gain insights into engaging with commissioners and procurement teams, understanding commercial requirements, and positioning their innovation for wider system uptake.