MediWales Innovation Awards 2024

On the 5th of December, MediWales held their nineteenth annual MediWales Innovation Awards dinner at the Mercure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff.

The MediWales Innovation Awards celebrates the fantastic achievements of the Welsh health and life science community and provides an excellent opportunity to engage with professionals from across our community. We welcomed guests from across the health and life science community in Wales for a fantastic night, celebrating the innovative and collaborative successes of the sector. The event was held in collaboration with Welsh Government and Health and Care Research Wales.

Throughout the evening, MediWales presented twelve awards to successful applicants from industry and health and social care. The MediWales Innovation Awards were split into six Industry and six Health and Care award categories.

Industry Award Category Winners:

Innovation Award – The Innovation Award, supported by Development Bank of Wales, recognises the development of an innovative technology, design and or process that has produced a major improvement in business performance.

Winner: Brainbox

Brainbox is the leading global provider of integrated non-invasive brain stimulation and brain imaging solutions for neuroscience research.

Brainbox has been instrumental in developing the NeuroFUS transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) system, a groundbreaking advancement in neuromodulation. NeuroFUS provides a comprehensive solution for advanced neuroscience research, utilising low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to achieve high spatial precision and the ability to target deeper brain regions.

Partnership with the NHS Award – The Partnership with the NHS Award, supported by GX, recognises the development of a partnership or collaboration with the NHS that has, or will have improved their business performance and has benefited patient care within the NHS.

Winner: IQ Endoscopes

IQ Endoscopes develops single-use, sustainable endoscopic technology for rapid gastrointestinal disease diagnosis. A key aspect of its strategy is a partnership with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to support the current provision of endoscopy by helping to reduce their waiting lists.

The collaboration has identified that IQE’s on-demand technology could significantly increase diagnostic capacity, allowing procedures outside traditional endoscopy rooms and enable the creation of Rapid Diagnostic Clinics. Potentially reducing treatment times by 6-12 months, lowering costs, and minimising GP visits.

Start-Up Award – The Start-Up Award, supported by Biophys, is awarded to the newly established company in the healthcare sector that shows a promising future. Applicants must have been trading no more than 3 years.

Winner: Awen Oncology

Recognised as one of the top UK oncology start-ups by Cancer Research UK, Awen Oncology is a promising new drug discovery company founded by three academics from Bangor and Cardiff universities.

Awen Oncology specialises in cancer biology and medicinal chemistry, developing small inhibitor molecules targeting cancer-specific therapeutic needs. The company addresses major unmet clinical needs with pipelines for new cancer medicines with the aim of bringing two treatments to clinical trials within six years.

Outstanding Achievement Award – The Outstanding Achievement Award, supported by Space2B at the Maltings, is awarded for an achievement that has had a significant or vital impact on the company and market.

Winner: Health and Her

Health & Her is a wellness brand focused on empowering women to manage their nutrition and lifestyle through holistic solutions. The company provides evidence-based products, including nutritional supplements, and educational resources designed to inspire women to prioritise their vitality and selfcare.

Central to this mission is the Health & Her app, a personalised wellness platform for perimenopause, menopause and beyond. It features wellbeing tracking, expert articles, and guided programmes such as mindfulness and pelvic floor exercises. Users benefit from goal-setting tools and reminders that promote accountability.

Export Achievement Award – The Export Achievement Award, supported by Welsh Government Department for International Trade, is awarded for maximising opportunities to exploit and develop new markets or outstanding performance in other areas of international trade.

Winner: Frontier Medical Group

Frontier Medical Group is a global leader in pressure area care. Their flagship product line, Repose, has treated over 3 million patients. Alongside Repose their Toto product range offers comprehensive solutions for preventing and treating pressure injuries.

Frontier Medical Group have achieved a significant export success in the last, reporting an 84% increase in export turnover.

Key markets included the USA, Germany, Benelux, and Ireland. New certifications were secured in South Korea, and partnerships were established in Ireland, Australia, Italy, and Singapore.

Industry Judges Award – The Industry Judges’ Award is awarded to the applicant that embodies the spirit of the MediWales Innovation Awards and for achievement and growth in the Welsh life science sector.

Winner: Virtual Ward Technologies

Virtual Ward Technologies specialises in data-driven, community-centred healthcare solutions. Using wearable technology and AI-powered platforms, they enable continuous patient monitoring. Virtual Ward Technologies have worked with both Cardiff and Vale and Swansea Bay University Health Boards.

In partnership with Cardiff and Vale, Virtual Ward have developed a child obesity solution which integrated into the Tier 3 Weight Management Service. The virtual ward model increased digital engagement to 18 contacts over three months compared to just two or three face-to-face visits annually. Outcomes included 100% improvement in physical activity and reduced healthcare costs.

With Swansea Bay University, Virtual Ward launched V-Cancer Care, a digital solution for cancer surgery patients, enabling continuous monitoring and early complication detection. With significant improvements in pre-operative fitness and recovery. The average hospital stay was reduced, and timely interventions were facilitated.

Industry Highly Commended

• Valley Diagnostics
• Health Tech Services Group
• Copner Biotech
• Energist
• SymlConnect
• Haemair

Health and Social Care Award Category Winners:

Scaling Up Innovation and Transformation Award – The Scaling up Innovation and Transformation Award, supported by Teamworks, is to recognise a change in initiative that has led to the positive, sustained transformation of a health or social care service, model or technology that has demonstrated impact through being shared and implemented at scale, enabling others to benefit from the innovation and the lessons learnt along the way.

Winner: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and the Institute of Clinical Science and Technology

The National Respiratory Toolkit has been implemented across NHS Wales to improve care for asthma and COPD patients while standardising respiratory care. The toolkit includes national guidelines, quality improvement tools, educational modules for professionals, and patient-facing apps for asthma and COPD. Patients co-produced the apps, enhancing usability through feedback.

Currently, 21,000 people in Wales use the apps, leading to improved asthma control, fewer emergency visits, and reduced GP attendances.

Health and Social Care Research Partnership with Industry Award – The Health and Social Care Research Partnership with Industry Award, supported by Health and Care Research Wales, is for the team who have partnered with industry to deliver a project or developed a collaboration with a particular focus on health or social care research.

Winner: Aneurin Bevan University Health Board: Radiology

Knee osteoarthritis affects 450,000 people in Wales, placing a significant burden on healthcare services. In response, Aneurin Bevan UHB, in collaboration with the Planned Care Innovation Programme, Health and Care Research Wales, and Merit Medical, introduced Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). This minimally invasive procedure targets abnormal blood vessels in the knee, reducing pain without affecting normal blood supply.

The project has recruited 32 participants, showing significant pain reduction, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life. GAE offers a low-risk alternative to traditional treatments, reducing dependence on medications and easing healthcare pressures.

Technology and Digital Impact Award – The Technology and Digital Impact Award celebrates Technology and Digital innovations from across health and care that are having a positive impact on people in Wales.

Winner: Swansea Bay University Health Board: Orthopaedic Prehabilitation and Pre-assessment Team

Swansea Bay University Health Board, in collaboration with Pro-Mapp Limited, developed a digital platform to support patients on orthopaedic waiting lists. The platform allows patients to self-report symptoms, streamlining care and improving efficiency.

Using AI technology, it provides tailored lifestyle support, validates waiting lists, and prioritises patients with greater needs, connecting them to appropriate services. It also identifies underlying conditions and directs patients to relevant care.

Health and Social Care Industry collaboration Award – The Health and Social Care Industry collaboration Award, recognises NHS Wales personnel who have collaborated with industry on a project that has resulted in major impact and benefit.

Winners: Hywel Dda University Health Board Estates and Environmental Team

NappiCycle, a collaboration between Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) and Natural UK Ltd, addresses the environmental challenge of managing nappy and incontinence waste. Previously sent to landfill, this waste is now fully recycled into materials like cellulose, repurposed for products such as asphalt and fibreboard, supporting circular economy principles and significantly cutting carbon emissions.

Since its launch, NappiCycle has diverted 6% of HDUHB’s waste from landfill, reduced carbon emissions by 96%, and saved £30,000 annually. It has also created local jobs, strengthened supply chains, and supported the NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Plan, demonstrating a sustainable and scalable model for waste management in healthcare.

Social Care Innovation through Collaboration – The Social Care Innovation Through Collaboration Award is an open category for NHS Wales, Industry, Third Sector, Local Authority or Academia, for personnel who have collaborated to innovate on a social care project that has resulted in major impact and benefit.

Winner: Llesiant Delta Wellbeing

Delta CONNECT, led by Llesiant Delta Wellbeing, is a multi-agency initiative transforming social care in West Wales through prevention, early intervention, and technology-enabled care. Integrating health and social services, it provides personalised assessments, wellbeing support, and a 24/7 response service.

Funded by the Welsh Government’s Health and Social Care Regional Integration Fund and delivered with local councils and Hywel Dda Health Board, CONNECT has adapted to community needs through shared training and feedback.

Since December 2021, it has prevented unnecessary hospital admissions, saving 3,626 bed days and £1.6 million, with patients discharged five days earlier on average. This approach reduces healthcare pressures, aligns with national priorities, and improves outcomes for citizens through proactive, person-centred care.

Health and Social Care Judges Award – The Health and Social Care Judges’ Award is awarded to the applicant that embodies the spirit of the MediWales Innovation Awards and for their overall contribution to healthcare delivery in Wales.

Winners: The Aneurin Bevan Fracture Liaison Service

The Aneurin Bevan Fracture Liaison Service (AB-FLS) tackles undiagnosed osteoporosis in patients over 50, aiming to reduce repeat fractures and ease healthcare pressures. Untreated osteoporosis increases fragility fractures, impacting quality of life.

AB-FLS integrates data from X-rays, CT, and MRI scans through a digital system to streamline fracture management. Developed with the Welsh Government, NHS Wales, and the Royal Osteoporosis Society, it prioritises prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment.

Health and Social Care Highly Commended

• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
• Powys Teaching Health Board
• Swansea Bay University Health Board
• Velindre University NHS Trust
• NHS Executive
• Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Click here to view the project videos for each of the MediWales Innovation Awards 2024 award winners.

To learn more about how you can get involved with MediWales, click here.