By Matthew Lawrence, Head of Industry and Innovation
As the Head of Industry and Innovation at Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley, I’ve had the privilege of supporting some ground-breaking health innovations. One of the most rewarding ways we do this is through our Innovation and Insight Panels (IIPs). These panels are a cornerstone of how we help connect innovators with the right expertise and feedback to refine their solutions and navigate the complexities of healthcare systems.
What are Innovation and Insight panels?
IIPs are unique forums designed to bring together health innovators and a panel of experts, including NHS partners, clinicians, and third sector groups.
Through these panels, we aim to provide actionable feedback and facilitate connections that can help promising innovations progress toward real-world application.
The panels are a fantastic way to:
- Highlight innovations that address unmet needs in health and social care.
- Offer tailored, constructive feedback from healthcare professionals and decision makers.
- Open doors for potential collaborations and partnerships.
Why I’m passionate about IIPs
One of the most fascinating aspects of these panels is the diversity of solutions we see – from cutting-edge digital tools to practical solutions that address everyday challenges in healthcare. Each panel session is a new opportunity to witness the ingenuity of innovators and the tangible ways their ideas could transform patient care.
Personally, I find the most rewarding part of my role to be facilitating promising innovations to find a place in the NHS and making a substantial contribution to patient and clinician experiences – sometimes in ways we hadn’t anticipated until we got everyone together.
Another highlight is seeing how these panels foster collaboration. It’s not just about the feedback innovators receive; it’s about the relationships and opportunities that grow from these sessions. The panels primarily connect innovations to NHS partners but it also helps to link panellists together as they collaboratively consider the innovations and how they can be used to improve pathways of care.
Supporting innovators beyond the panels
While IIPs are an important part of our work, they’re just one way we support innovators. My team and I are here to guide you through the process, from initial concept to scaling solutions regionally and nationally.
Many innovators who take part in an IIP find it to be an invaluable experience. Zoe Seagar from Thalamos recently shared her thoughts after attending a panel, saying:
“Thank you very much for having us speak at the panel and for the insightful comments, it was a hugely valuable process for us.”
Feedback like this reinforces why these panels are such an essential part of what we do—helping innovators refine their approach and gain insights that can make a real impact.
If you have an innovation and want to explore how we can help, I encourage you to get in touch at info@healthinnovationoxford.org.