Fostering HeathTech innovation to reduce digital exclusion of older vulnerable groups

A cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral research initiative targeting HealthTech entrepreneurs

Removing health inequalities utilising digital health technologies (HealthTech) is at the heart of health policies and strategies globally. While there is a growth in available HealthTech solutions supporting healthy ageing (e.g., early disease detection, health promotion etc.), the challenge remains in low accessibility and digital exclusion of the most vulnerable groups in society.  

The objective of this project was to foster innovation among HealthTech entrepreneurs to make their solutions more accessible and thereby reduce digital exclusion of the ageing vulnerable groups. The project had aims to:  

• improve technology design and accessibility of HealthTech that could be used for disease prevention or health promotion. Focusing on older and most vulnerable groups, we intend to contribute to reducing of the existing health inequalities
• contribute to the development of entrepreneurial identity and skills as well as abilities to innovate in a more inclusive and impactful way
• contribute to strengthening commercial performance of different health ventures, thus contributing to productivity of the nation. 

Research activities started with desk research evaluating different digital strategies that could impact digital inclusion of vulnerable groups. Specific user needs and requirements of older populations were also explored. A couple of initial informal conversations with users and co-creation group representatives took place to explore findings from literature.  

This led to the buildup of a network of relevant SMEs, engaging in discussions about the most pressing challenges in that sphere. The initial discussions helped project members understand the complexity of navigating this specific area (innovation within NHS and commercialisation, priority areas, opportunity areas). Based on those insights, a co-creation workshop was organised - the Start Up roundtable at BaseKX which brought 50 innovators together to discuss better future inclusivity alongside gaps and opportunities in the HealthTech market. 

Following the workshop, a couple of entrepreneurs indicated interest in supporting research on UX design and personalisation in that area. HBSUK supported user design research with their platform, based on which the project researchers are developing accessibility and inclusion guidelines for HealthTech.

“The project and collaboration were very successful and the funding provided grounds to develop relationships that can hopefully develop some of this impactful research further. I think it is critical for our departments to work together, and having this opportunity so early in the journey of GBSH (Global Business School for Health), was truly inspiring” - Dr Marzena Nieroda, Lecturer in Marketing & Commercialisation for Healthcare, UCL Global Business School for Health 

The project supported the formation of a joint network, facilitating knowledge exchange between entrepreneurs, businesses, and innovators working on HealthTech. This collaboration has also led to future research initiatives being pursued including:  

• work with HBSUK on inclusion and innovation in FemTech (Innovation in Women's Health Challenge)
• the development of an Innovation Network (following up from this project and ongoing work on the FemTech project)
• co-creation methodologies with communities, mobilising stakeholders in support of wellbeing and healthy lifestyles (targeted at the Wellcome Trust) 

Future initiatives are due to take shape in Spring/ Summer 2024. 

Photo by Katie Franklin on Unsplash

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