UK healthtech innovators make waves in Tennessee
Over 15 UK healthtech innovators have been making their mark in Tennessee as part of a significant trade visit organised by the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) for its 2023 class of US Accelerator companies.
The visit allows members participate in a series of meetings, networking events and introductions across Nashville and Memphis – two of the state’s largest cities – to highlight the strengths of the UK’s health technology industry.
Throughout the week, the cohort of UK companies – comprising some of the UK’s most forward-thinking healthtech innovators – will be showcasing a range of products and solutions to the US market. Meetings have been taking place with senior leadership from some of the state’s largest hospital systems – including HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital – group purchasing organisations (GPOs), distributors, investors and procurement teams.
The visit will see engagement opportunities with supporting organisations such as the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Greater Nashville Technology Council and HIMSS Tennessee Chapter. These partnerships will facilitate networking opportunities, knowledge exchange and access to critical resources, ensuring that UK healthtech innovators receive the necessary support to thrive in the Tennessee healthcare ecosystem.
Paul Benton, managing director, international, said: "Tennessee, with its thriving health technology landscape and reputation as a hub of innovation, presents an ideal destination for UK healthtech companies to expand their export endeavours. The state's supportive business environment, collaborative network and access to leading healthcare institutions create a conducive platform for forging lasting partnership. We look forward to bringing back more UK innovators who are keen to explore collaborations and expand their presence in this vibrant state and throughout the broader US market.”
Tennessee boasts a robust and thriving healthtech ecosystem, with research and development institutions (such as Vanderbilt University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital).
It is also home to HCA, the largest health system in the US, which has headquarters in Nashville, as well as other prominent healthcare players and leading hospital systems who have a strong reputation for innovation with high demand for cutting-edge technologies and solutions, presenting strong opportunities for HealthTech innovations.
With relationships across hospital systems and life science communities throughout the US, as well as a growing mentors network on-hand to offer guidance and insight, the ABHI US Accelerator offers a platform for UK companies to showcase their solutions and explore opportunities for partnership across the state of Tennessee and the wider US market.
The week-long visit – exclusive to members of the ABHI US Accelerator – aims to provide participants with access to senior leaders, clinicians and procurement teams from world-class hospital systems across the country, supporting them in engaging the right stakeholders and gaining valuable market insight.
A total of 20 companies from the world of health technology are taking part in this year’s cohort. Together they constitute a diverse mix of medical device, diagnostics, and digital health businesses, several of which are long-standing members of the programme, along with a host of new entrants.
Throughout the year, participants enjoy exclusive week-long trade visits across the US. With the inaugural visit taking place in Texas, the remainder of the year will see this year’s delegation participate in week-long visits to California and Florida, two markets with their own significant healthcare capabilities.
These visits offer opportunities for participants to engage with key industry players, foster meaningful collaborations, and gain invaluable insights into the diverse and dynamic US market.
The programme for the 2023 ABHI US Accelerator is sponsored by international legal firm DAC Beachcroft (DACB), Healthcare Innovation Consortium (HIC) – a digital health and social care agency committed to advancing innovation in healthcare – and leading legal and business consulting firm, Wilson Sonsini.