HealthTech 2026: Innovation, Prevention & the Future of Health – Agenda

8.30–9.15 / Registration, tea/coffee & networking

9.15–9.20 / Welcome to HealthTech 2026!

  • Host – Rebecca Hainsworth – Partner / Browne Jacobson
    • Rebecca is also the chair of pro-manchester’s Health & Life Science committee

9.20–9.30 / Welcome from Bruntwood SciTech

  • Mark Davies – Head of Innovation / Bruntwood SciTech

9.30–10.05 / PANEL session – “Manchester’s Data Advantage” – An Eco system built for Innovation. Manchester has a strong reputation for health data and integrated care, how, and why is it unique? This discussion will explore what makes the region distinctive, how organisations can work together to unlock the value of data, and how we build trust around responsible data sharing. Also, a look at how better use of data supports prevention, research, AI and more joined-up care across GM.

  • Amy Lochtie – MFT / Research & Innovation
  • Representative from Browne Jacobson – TBC

10.05–10.25 / KEYNOTE or FIRESIDE – Content coming soon…

10.25–11.00 / PANEL session – Wearables & Digital Health / HealthTech That Makes a Difference: Innovation Across the Patient Journey – From wearables and remote monitoring to digital tools supporting diagnosis, treatment and prevention, this session will showcase HealthTech making a difference in real-world settings.

  • Representative from MMU – TBC
  • Claire Williams – Head of Pharmacovigilance and Regulatory Services / NorthWest EHealth
  • Amy Wild – Silvia Health
  • Susan Astley – Professor of Intelligent Medical Imaging / The University of Manchester
  • Dr Anthony Wilson, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Group Chief Medical Informatics Officer (Research and Innovation) / Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

11.00– 11.30 – Tea/coffee break & networking (30 min)

11.30–12.05  / PANEL discussion – Neighbourhood Health & New Models of Care – As the NHS increasingly focuses on prevention, this session will explore how community-based support, digital innovation and neighbourhood partnerships are helping to create a more proactive model of care that keeps people healthier for longer.

  • Azra Zia – Health Inclusion Manager / Prevent Breast Cancer
  • Patient representative
  • Shainoor (Shain) Khoja – Physiotherapist, social-impact entrepreneur and Founder & CEO / Thriving AI
  • Paul Lynch – Deputy Director / Strategy & System Development, GM Health & Social Care Partnership, NHS Greater Manchester

12.05–12.20 / KEYNOTE – Datnexa / Hey Geraldine – Hey Geraldine is an AI assistant built for social care and health professionals. Created using the knowledge of an experienced occupational therapist, Hey Geraldine offers instant, reliable advice on technology-enabled care solutions and best practices whenever you need it. (An AI chatbot developed for Peterborough Council – How could GM learn or replicate this model).

  • Adam Dustagheer – CEO & Founder / Datnexa

12.25–13.10 / Let’s collaborate?! 2036 FUTURE FOCUS – What could Greater Manchester HealthTech look like in ten years? This interactive session will challenge the audience to imagine GM’s HealthTech ecosystem in 2036. From hospitals delivering more care in communities, the widespread adoption of AI, digital services and innovative technologies, the discussion will explore the partnerships, investments and breakthroughs needed to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities and position GM as a global HealthTech leader.

  • Rebecca Hainsworth – Partner / Browne Jacobson
  • Daniel Zamora – Programme Director / Health Innovation Manchester
  • Sim – PXN
  • Representative – MMU – TBC
  • Wes Dale / or similar

13.15 – 13.30 / CLOSING REMARKS & EVENT THANKS

13.30 – 14.00 / Lunch provided by Open Kitchen and networking

14.00 – 14.15 / End and depart