DEMAND Hub

Demand Hub Logo with ERDF Logo

DEMAND Hub (Data-Enabled Medical technologies ANd Devices Hub) is an ERDF-supported programme for the Black Country, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, Coventry & Warwickshire, and Stoke-On-Trent & Staffordshire LEP regions. The programme is now live as of 1 July 2020.

The programme will run until June 2023 and supports SME businesses in, or looking to enter, the healthcare market. 

Support Offered

 

  1. Business development support. DEMAND Hub supports businesses with knowledge of IP and access to specific funding for medical technologies and digital healthcare
  2. Digital Tech support. We provide a unique “Data Sherpa” model of support for industry. DEMAND Hub provides access to individuals who understand the local NHS, academic and business environments and can deliver the appropriate study design, data linkage, extraction and analyses to provide SMEs with the insights they need to support their product development. 
  3. Validation and commercialisation. DEMAND Hub provides Technical and Clinical understanding to help evaluate the relevance of solutions, the evidence required and optimal developmental pathway, including potential service redesign.
  4. Technician and Lab support. We provide highly-skilled support utilising our extensive laboratory infrastructure to underpin effective product design, development and testing.
  5. Clinical Studies and Trials support. DEMAND Hub has expertise in the design of clinical trials and studies attuned to the medical technology regulatory environment, and can guide businesses in the testing and evaluation needs and designs for specific product types.
  6. Clinician/patient/user experience support. We help to facilitate user experience and accessibility testing and development by connecting businesses to appropriate stakeholders and guiding appropriate design and evidence tools.

DEMAND Hub – Success Stories (Case Studies)

Innovation Factory

Challenge

Clinical trials: early idea testing to target future development and determine regulatory pathways. As a small and relatively new business, existing expertise was not sufficient to successfully guide the project through these potential pitfalls. Investment and company growth: finding appropriate test models for investors and understanding the investment field.

Solution

Innovation Factory Limited including University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) are collaborating to test and validate first of a kind solution called the SnoRelief algorithm in order to map patient care pathways: the support allows the team to refine the offering, its value and intended purpose. Medical device regulation: providing expert knowledge on regulatory frameworks and mapping out the pathway to successful approval. Introductions and investment support: brokering discussions with valuable links outside the university to build initial prototypes and receiving guidance on preparing for, and raising, future investment

Innovation Factory Ltd have developed an application called ‘SnoRelief.’ Snorelief can be downloaded on the patient’s Smartphone and can be used in the patient’s own home without needing to wear sensors or attend hospital. This has the potential to give a more accurate reflection of the patient’s sleep whilst being in their home environment.

Anwar Almojarkesh

Anwar Almojarkesh

CEO & Founder, Innovation Factory Ltd

“"Working with the University has provided us a great level of knowledge about the health and safety requirements and how to attract the NHS and investors"”

 

Alternatively, Download Innovation Factory Case Study as PDF

Moi Therapy

Challenge

Translation of ideas: lack of knowledge and available advice needed to finalise product design and move to product launch.

Solution

Product evaluation: specialists evaluated the idea, features and ease of use according to their skills and experience. A full analysis and report directly influenced the design and use efficiency of the product, with the company officially launching in November 2021. The assistance from the University also aided the decision to manufacture from recyclable materials and provide confidence that the device is effective without the need for power supplies

Moi Therapy Ltd have developed effective pocket-sized massage tools that provide instant relief to the body. The product has been designed inclusively and is suitable for all ages and athletic abilities

Wayne McDonald

Wayne McDonald

CEO, Moi Therapy Ltd

“"The research, findings and reporting were vital to Moi Therapy Ltd’s goals and [we] used this knowledge to create a multi-purpose muscle massage tool. The assistance helped our decision to produce from recyclable materials, confident we could be effective without the need for power, shaped to be effective, robust and safe to all users".”

 

Alternatively, Download Moi Therapy Case Study as PDF

Nourished

Challenge

Clinical trial research: accessing professional clinical trial setup and requirement advice. Identification of key areas where customisation of drugs could be of most benefit. Supply chain analysis: understanding the requirements for drug delivery supply chains and conventional methods of manufacture in order to better understand how supply chains currently function and how potential test models could fit within the existing supply chains.

Solution

Clinical trial research: drawing on expert advice from project team staff to provide information and support around clinical trials. For example, introducing the company to programmes and opportunities within the university and hospital group. Supply chain analysis: producing supply chain analysis reports to further company research into the best strategies for scripted ongoing development

Nourishing the mind and body with nutrients can help create a more balanced way of life whilst vitalising our appearance and wellbeing.

Melissa Snover

Melissa Snover

CEO, Nourished

“"Working with the University has helped us connect with and gain advice from knowledgeable professionals regarding several aspects of our ongoing medical endeavours in Script3d, and is a relationship which we hope will continue to grow."”

 

Alternatively, Download Nourished Case Study as PDF

Eligibility

DEMAND Hub supports SME businesses (businesses with less than 250 empoyees) in the Black Country, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, Coventry & Warwickshire, and Stoke-On-Trent & Staffordshire LEP regions.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:

Derek SearBusiness Engagement Managerdemandhub@contacts.bham.ac.uk07917 233 009

 ERDF Logo, Black Country LEP Logo, Birmingham and Solihull LEP logo, Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Logo, Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP logo