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STREAM 1. Digital Healthcare Technology Impact Accelerator (DHTA)

Lead Research Organisation: University of Ulster
Department Name: School of Engineering

Abstract

1.1 Context, the Place and Cluster

The DHTA is a consortium led by a strong and highly experienced, interdisciplinary R&D&I collaborative team from UU and QUB, Belfast City Council-BCC with civic, industry and clinical partners located in the Belfast Metropolitan Area-BMA[1].

The DHTA will be at the forefront of sustainable regional digital health translation, driving through higher TRL levels from discovery-based research in the areas of medical diagnostics and associated disciplines underpinned by a health-tech stack approach, including photonic sensing to machine learning algorithms. DHTA will deliver impactful solutions as it enhances a recognised digital health cluster which is coalesced around the emerging £43M City Deal-Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology-CDHT and embrace an eco-system boosted by the new £11M EPSRC-CDT UCL-UU [EP/Y034929/1] in Digital Health.

Recent Northern Ireland-NI political agreements incorporating the Windsor Framework[2], have created a positive environment to leverage both a stronger and a unique dual-trading/regulatory relationship with the significant international medical devices infrastructure of the Republic of Ireland.

1.2 The challenge DHTA addresses

The DHTA, with demonstrably impressive research track-record, will address the need to accelerate digital health research impact as well as a number of global health challenges. These include the ageing-population which creates complex and varied pressures including increased demand for healthcare services; rising costs; greater prevalence of chronic diseases; greater demand for long-term care; and a shortage of skilled workers[3].

1.3 DHTA Aims and objectives.

Aims- The DHTA will focus on catalysing and leveraging the development of a cluster, focused on health diagnostics expertise derived from research excellence (TRL2-5). The cluster will strengthen R&D&I within the BMA by building partnerships with civic bodies, connecting SME's and people, co-developing ideas, attracting investment, driving growth and creating a virtuous cycle of economic acceleration.

Publications

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