New Zealand is no stranger to health tech innovation – from co-discovering the molecular structure of DNA to inventing the disposable syringe.
Today, its health tech industry continues to lead the way with groundbreaking healthcare solutions to make tomorrow a better day for people globally.
For instance, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare helps over 14 million people in more than 120 countries breathe easier every year with its respiratory and obstructive sleep apnoea systems.
The UK and New Zealand share a deep connection, and many New Zealand health tech companies are established in the UK. The NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement is seeing British-Kiwi collaboration flourish even more.
Joe Nelson, Trade Commissioner to the UK and Ireland at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) says, “Committed to improving global health outcomes, New Zealand companies are shaping the future of healthcare. The UK is a key partner for us, and we have many tech innovators working with UK healthcare providers.”
Driving NHS efficiency
Cemplicity empowers global healthcare organisations, including the NHS, to improve through patient feedback.
“As a patient-reported measures specialist working deeply in healthcare in the UK, we were delighted to be recognised at the recent NHS HSJ awards for the most impactful partnership in preventative healthcare,” stated founder and Executive Director Nick Macdonald.
The award-winning project aimed to reduce the impact of surgical site infections (SSI) following caesarean birth.
Another Kiwi company partnering with the NHS is HealthPathways, which offers clinicians locally-agreed information to make the right decisions, together with patients, at the point of care.
The tool is used by GPs, nurses, and other health professionals across 60 health systems caring for 35 million patients in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
Mark Girvan, Director of Operations for HealthPathways UK and Ireland, remarked, “We’re pleased to be working with colleagues in NHS Wales to oversee the first entire nation roll-out of HealthPathways, standardising care across all seven Health Boards.”
Assessing cardiovascular risk with AI
Kiwi companies are innovating healthcare with AI.
“With cardiovascular disease being one of the leading causes of mortality and healthcare costs, we have established a clear market need for our products in the UK,” says Francesca Logan, Chief Commercial Officer of Toku Inc.
Toku’s AI-powered CLAiR platform assesses cardiovascular risk through retinal photographs of the back of the eye.
Logan says, “The UK market has shown great interest and support for our upcoming launch.”
Devices that are making a difference
The Insides Company develops life-changing medical devices for patients with severe intestinal conditions.
CEO Garth Sutherland noted, “Our unique product is helping to treat severely ill patients in more than 30 hospitals in the UK. It is growing rapidly, and we are halfway through a Randomised Controlled Trial.”
Chiptech, the largest supplier of monitored personal alarms in New Zealand and Australia, recently won three UK awards: the ITEC award for Innovation at Scale and two Red Rose Awards for Scale-Up and Medium Business.
Having led the analogue to digital switchover in Australasia, Chiptech is spearheading the UK’s Digital Landline Switchover, with over 130,000 digital connections already in place.
Chiptech’s products also contribute significant savings to health and social care, at circa £580 million per year from home care, hospital avoidance, and other social care costs.
An environment for innovation
New Zealand’s excellence in biotech innovation is globally renowned.
Using its expertise in clinical trials, protein development, and the country’s disease-free status, biotech companies are making strides in cancer detection, tissue regeneration, and probiotic solutions.
With the University of Auckland and the University of Otago ranked in the world’s top-100 for Life Science and Medicine, New Zealand’s academic institutions are nurturing the next generation of healthcare innovators.
Ranked 19th out of 149 countries for its contribution to Science and Technology in the latest Good Country Index, New Zealand fosters an environment conducive to disruptive technologies and groundbreaking discoveries.
Teaching medical students with virtual reality
New Zealand’s digital health market is flourishing, with revenue projected to reach US$268 million in 2024, and projected to grow to US$358M by 2029, according to Statista.
Offering an innovative way to train medical professionals, Virtual Medical Coaching provides radiography and childbirth simulations.
“In the UK and worldwide, our VR training solutions have been shown to elevate academic scores, enhance practical readiness, and increase overall satisfaction among learners” says founder and managing director, James Hayes.
New Zealand’s HealthTech industry stands at the forefront of innovation, driving positive change and shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
With a commitment to excellence, quality, and collaboration, New Zealand is poised to make a significant impact on the UK healthcare sector and beyond.
For more information, visit Discover New Zealand HealthTech in the UK (seetomorrowfirst.nz
