Supporting medical innovation: Discovering the next breakthroughs

Abstract

Purpose

The Medical Futures Innovation Awards is a unique UK based awards process that is aimed at not only discovering the next breakthroughs in healthcare, but helping healthcare professionals and academics deliver them to market. By entering the awards process, front line clinicians and academics have the chance to pitch their ideas to a world class panel of experts whose advice, guidance and peer‐review brings unparalleled validation. Crucially, as well as the critical recognition and endorsement, winners receive a bespoke package of support to turn ideas into viable propositions that have credibility with investors.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The innovations recognised for the 2008 awards included; targeted genetic techniques to optimise cancer treatments, a form of injectable bone, a stem cell therapy to repair damaged cardiac muscle, a dental imaging technique that does not use x‐rays, and a portable hand held hearing device to detect hearing loss in less than 30 seconds.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2009), "Supporting medical innovation: Discovering the next breakthroughs", Strategic Direction, Vol. 25 No. 5, pp. 33-35. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540910952109