A full day event designed to equip delegates with the insights, strategies, and connections needed to transform pioneering ideas into impactful healthcare solutions – delivering real-world value within the NHS and on a global stage.

The programme will feature expert-led sessions on how to shape, position, and scale healthcare innovations for maximum adoption and success. Interactive panels will delve into the challenges, opportunities, and success stories, offering valuable insights and practical takeaways.

A highlight of the programme will be a keynote address from Sir Tony Kouzarides, who will share his perspective on how groundbreaking ideas and collaborative innovation can drive meaningful change in healthcare.

We’re also excited to bring back our poster competition, showcasing cutting-edge research from early career researchers at the forefront of digital health, AI, precision medicine, and more – opening doors for potential collaboration and partnership.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, researcher, innovator, or industry partner, this is a unique opportunity to connect, share ideas, and be part of the conversation driving healthcare transformation both locally and globally.

Improving gut health through scientifically validated products such as ió Gut Health Drinks (formerly ió fibrewater).

“Interface has been a true catalyst in our journey. Their support helped us secure a pivotal academic partnership that not only validated our product but also opened doors to further studies and global growth. The credibility gained through these collaborations has directly led to investment, award recognition, and market expansion. For any company looking to scale through innovation and evidence, Interface is a game-changer.”

Alyssa Reid, Co-founder, The Prebiotic Company Ltd

Advancement of Product and Technology

Since the successful Asda launch in March 2024, ió fibrewater has evolved into the broader ió Gut Health Drinks brand. The rebrand better reflects the comprehensive health benefits beyond fibre intake, emphasising gut and overall wellbeing.

Building on this, The Prebiotic Company has:

• Reformulated its drinks to feature cleaner labels and fewer ingredients, ensuring optimal efficacy and transparency.
• Developed ió sachets, launching in early 2026, delivering the same scientifically proven gut health benefits in a convenient, portable, sustainable format.
• Secured international growth opportunities, expanding distribution into the EU and US markets.

The Journey

2022-2023 Initial Collaboration – Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)

Facilitated by Interface, the collaboration with GCU provided the crucial first step in validating the efficacy of their core product, ió fibrewater, and lay the groundwork for future product development. They sought to understand how ió fibrewater impacted different probiotics. As prebiotics feed beneficial microbes (probiotics), the company needed to know exactly how, and what probiotics responded to the core ió fibrewater recipe which would be crucial for expanding their product range.

The project yielded significant findings, released in November 2022 promoting Food Science, academia and industry collaboration. The findings also bolstered investor interest for The Prebiotic Company and paved the way for further collaborations with academic and healthcare institutions.

This collaboration not only provided funding for research but also enriched the academic portfolios of the researchers involved, providing an interdisciplinary project in the fields of microbiology and prebiotic food science.  Additionally, it provided valuable experience for an undergraduate BSc Food Science student to generate preliminary work as part of their final year research project. 

The collaboration also benefited academia through new laboratory methods, expanded bacterial culture collections, and public engagement in food science outreach. These outcomes continue to support ongoing teaching and research initiatives at GCU.

2024-2025 – University of Roehampton, London

Building on the GCU results, The Prebiotic Company partnered with the University of Roehampton to investigate the broader health implications of ió products, specifically their influence on blood glucose regulation, weight management, mood, and sleep. Early results have strengthened scientific credibility and the findings will be published in 2026.

2026 – University of Roehampton, London

A third academic collaboration will begin in January 2026, again with the University of Roehampton, London, focusing on how ió Gut Health Drinks may help reduce the risk of glucose intolerance and Type 2 diabetes in post-menopausal women. This targeted research further demonstrates the company’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and public health impact.

Impact of Academic Collaboration

The Prebiotic Company’s academic collaborations have become a cornerstone of its success having:

• Validated scientific claims, establishing the credibility of ió products in both retail and healthcare markets.
• Accelerated innovation, guiding new product development such as ió sachets and future healthcare applications.
• Enhanced investor confidence, resulting in sustained funding and global growth.
• Strengthened consumer trust, differentiating the brand in a crowded wellness market.
• Provided mutual benefits for academics and students through real-world research, skills development, and public engagement in Food Science.
• Contributed to winning Scottish EDGE funding and the World Best Drink Innovation Award
• Played a direct role in attracting new investment and securing international distribution agreements.
• Together, these achievements position The Prebiotic Company as a leader in the functional drinks and gut health market.

Interface’s Role

Interface has been instrumental throughout The Prebiotic Company’s innovation journey. From the initial introduction to GCU in 2022 to continued advisory support connecting the company with further academic partners.

 Interface has:

• Facilitated access to expertise and facilities essential for scientific validation.
• Supported the translation of research into commercial outcomes, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
• Enabled multi-institution collaborations that underpin ongoing product development and health research.
• Helped raise the company’s profile within Scotland’s innovation ecosystem, contributing to award recognition and funding success.

Looking Ahead

The personal health journeys of the company’s founders Mohsin Laginaf, Alyssa Reid and Jay Curthan continue to drive their commitment to improving gut health for consumers through innovative products.

The Prebiotic Company continues to expand its product range and research base, driven by its founders’ shared mission to improve gut health and wellbeing through evidence-based innovation. With new studies, product formats, and markets on the horizon, the company is poised for sustained impact, supported by a collaborative model that integrates academic excellence, entrepreneurial drive, and Interface’s facilitative expertise.

Sentiental Limited & University of Strathclyde – A Powerful Partnership

Introduction

In 2018, a connection brokered by Interface set in motion a transformative collaboration between Welbot Ltd and the University of Strathclyde. What began as a project about workplace wellbeing, has evolved into a long-term, strategic partnership, resulting in a newly formed company Sentiental Limited (trading as Sentinel), that is tackling some of the most pressing health challenges faced by frontline workers today.

This case study explores how the partnership has grown, the critical role of Interface in connecting business with academia, and the significant impact of co-created innovation.

The Challenge

Welbot was established to address growing concerns around workplace wellbeing. Early efforts focused on reducing sedentary behaviour and supporting staff health through Welbot, a digital desktop tool.

However, by 2022, it was clear that an even greater challenge was emerging: the escalating mental health crisis among frontline workers, including emergency services and healthcare professionals. These groups face trauma, chronic stress, and burnout, yet often lack accessible and stigma-free support. Thus, Sentinel was formed and, together with University of Strathclyde, they bring together technology, commercial, and scientific expertise to help employees understand and manage trauma.

The Role of Interface

The partnership might never have begun without Interface’s facilitation. By linking Welbot with University of Strathclyde’s academic expertise, Interface enabled the business to access specialist researchers in trauma, psychology, and workplace health. Interface’s support also unlocked early funding opportunities, including an Innovation Voucher, which laid the foundations for further collaborative projects.

This first connection was pivotal leading to the formation of a new company, the exploration of new opportunities, industry applications and funding opportunities. It transformed what could have been a one-off project into a long term, multi-faceted partnership delivering real-world impact.

The Journey

Early Collaboration – Welbot (2018–2020)

• Developed through Interface’s connections with specialist academics at University of Strathclyde providing expertise in sedentary behaviour and health.
• Piloted with student involvement and supported by early-stage innovation funding.
• Resulted in a digital wellbeing tool adopted by over 100 companies in 10 countries.
• Produced peer-reviewed publications and established trust between Welbot and University of Strathclyde.

Evolution into Sentinel (2022–present)

• Shifted focus to workplace trauma and resilience for first responders.
• Co-created with NHS partners, emergency services, and frontline staff to ensure user-centred design.
• Developed 64 evidence-based modules forming the backbone of Sentinel’s AI-powered trauma support app.
• App now available on Google and Apple stores, piloted with NHS24, NHS Lanarkshire, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Research, Innovation & Global Expansion

• Collaboration with University of Strathclyde’s Computer & Information Sciences Department led to:
• A Personalisation Engine for tailoring trauma support.
• A Trauma Conversation Simulator for training.
• Secured multiple funding streams, including Stage Gate funding (University of Strathclyde’s framework used to support commercialisation) and a SMART Scotland Scottish Enterprise award and exploring additional further grants.
• International collaborations established with partners in Saudi Arabia, US, Ukraine, and South Africa, broadening Sentinel’s reach.

Benefits and Impact

Impact on Sentinel

• Commercial Growth – Developed a Minimal Viable Product (MVP), now piloted across major NHS organisations.
• Credibility & Recruitment – Academic backing attracted top talent and partners.
• Market Expansion – Positioned for growth into emergency services, military, and global healthcare sectors.
• Future Impact – Forecast to grow from 3.5 FTE to 20 FTE within 5 years, with total workforce scaling from ~10 to ~100.

Impact on University of Strathclyde

• Teaching & Learning: Provided students with live industry projects and industry funded postgraduate opportunities, enriching courses in psychology, health, and technology.
• Research Outputs: Generated peer-reviewed publications and enhanced reputation in trauma-informed digital health.
• Funding & Engagement: Leveraged SFC innovation voucher funding to explore feasibility which catalysed the partnership leading to multiple UKRI bids, international collaborations, and income-generation opportunities.
• Public Engagement: Raised University of Strathclyde’s profile through media, conferences, and community initiatives centred on frontline worker wellbeing.
• Awards and Recognition: Members of team were recognised at the Strathclyde Strategic Research and Knowledge Exchange Impact Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements and contributions in research and knowledge exchange at the University of Strathclyde.

A Model for Business–Academic Collaboration

“The Sentinel–University of Strathclyde partnership is an exemplar of what Interface set out to achieve: turning an initial connection into a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. The collaboration demonstrates that when businesses and academics work closely together, supported by effective brokerage and relationship management, the results extend far beyond individual projects -creating solutions that deliver societal, economic, and international impact.”
Louise Arnold, Senior Innovation Lead, Interface

From tackling sedentary behaviour in office settings to pioneering digital trauma support for frontline workers, the journey of Sentinel and the University of Strathclyde is a testament to the power of strategic, co-created partnerships.

With Interface’s facilitation, this collaboration has:

• Transformed early innovation into a global health solution.
• Strengthened Scotland’s position as a leader in digital health and wellbeing.
• Created a sustainable model of business–academic partnership that continues to grow in scale and impact.

The Sentinel – University of Strathclyde journey showcases how enduring partnerships between academia and business can change lives – locally, nationally, and globally.

Accelerate your HealthTech solution with University of Glasgow’s Evidence Generation Bootcamp!

Building on the success of the inaugural bootcamp last year, the Digital Health Validation Lab is hosting its second edition on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd of October. This two-day, hands-on event is designed for HealthTech innovators who are ready to accelerate their solutions and drive real-world impact.

In today’s fast-moving and competitive HealthTech landscape, robust evidence is critical to achieving regulatory approval, adoption, scale, and long-term success. This bootcamp provides a practical framework to help you confidently navigate the complexities of evidence generation and build a clear, actionable strategy aligned with your innovation and route to market.

Through expert-led sessions, you’ll gain:

• Clarity on your evidence requirements and how to address them effectively
• Confidence to engage key stakeholders with timely, relevant evidence and navigate complex evidence demands
• A personalised roadmap for evidence generation, tailored to your solution and market strategy
• Improved understanding of approaches to: Patient and Public Involvement (PPI); concept validation; health economic modelling; simulation; technical feasibility and AI performance testing; clinical investigations for regulatory approval; and clinical and cost-effectiveness studies to support adoption.

Who should attend?

HealthTech startups, SMEs, innovation leads, and academic researchers ready to turn a great solution into an evidence-backed, scalable success.

Headline speakers include:

Professor Olivia Wu is a globally recognised authority in Health Technology Assessment (HTA). She holds the prestigious William R Lindsay Chair of Health Economics at the University of Glasgow’s HEHTA and serves as Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Professor Neil Hawkins is a Professor of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) at the University of Glasgow, where he brings decades of cross-sector experience to advancing evidence-based healthcare decision-making. His career spans academia, industry, and consultancy, with contributions across pharmacology, clinical development, epidemiology, and HTA.

Professor David Lowe is an Emergency Consultant at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), Clinical Director of Innovation at the University of Glasgow, and Clinical Director for Health Innovation for the Scottish Government.

Ticket Price

£295.00 – Early Bird Rate (until 15 August 2025)

£350.00 – Standard Rate (from 16 August 2025)

Please note that registration will close on Friday 19 September.

Airglove innovative healthcare products disrupting the Peripheral Arterial Disease treatment market, improving patient care and leading to clinical efficiency.

Background

Airglove Medical Ltd is a Scottish medical innovations company based in East Kilbride, Scotland. The company was started in July 2016 formerly known as Green Cross Medico Ltd, with Chairman Giovanni (Gio) Benedetti, a serial entrepreneur, the driving force behind the company. They operate with a lean structure, focusing on innovation and collaboration with healthcare institutions.

The company specialises in developing and commercialising healthcare products aimed at improving patient care and clinical efficiency. Their flagship product, Airglove, is a patient warming system designed to facilitate intravenous access by gently warming the patient’s lower arm through an inflatable double walled glove which is thermally regulated, thus making veins more accessible for cannulation.

They developed Airglove Arm (first generation), a thermal vasodilatory, CE certified device designed to facilitate cannulation of the peripheral veins in difficult intravenous access patients (DIVA).  Airglove technology provides a safe, convenient and effective way of vasodilation treatment for DIVA patients, but Airglove Medical also recognised that their unique technology could be revolutionary for people who suffer from Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

200M people globally suffer from Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) with 716,817 over 55’s in the UK with symptomatic PAD costing on average £23,502 per patient, per year (NICE). This is a common condition where a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to the leg muscles and is treated by diet, reducing weight, reducing alcohol and exercise. However, in the UK every year there are 72,000 angioplasties, 18,000 lower limb bypasses and 3,500 amputations.

Current self-care therapy for PAD is walking therapy, which is difficult for people with moderate-to-severe PAD. Independent exploratory research indicates that gentle heat therapy delivers significant PAD benefits.

The Challenge

Airglove Medical required academic expertise to help develop a second generation Airglove, delivering two distinct units: Airglove LEG for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) treatment and Airglove ARM for Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) treatment to be used in both the UK and globally.

The Solution

Expertise was required in the areas of product design, electronics, electrical engineering and biomedical devices, due to the company’s lack of knowledge in these areas.  Jackie Sanderson of Interface connected Airglove Medical with Edinburgh Napier University as they had the necessary expertise and background IP in product, biomedical devices, electronics, electrical and power electronics designs.

Working in partnership with Professor Chan Hwang See and the specialist academic team at Edinburgh Napier University the aim was to develop the first PAD prototype of Airglove LEG (with cradle resting unit).

Two new improved versions of the practical prototype of Airglove LEG resting unit (“Cradle”) were designed, built and tested at Edinburgh Napier’s in-house facility.

Several heat transfer measurements of the Airglove LEG unit were setup and carried out with good indication of thermal distribution on the human leg and by testing the power handling performance of the Airglove ARM unit, the results suggested that the existing 300W motor would suffice for the new Airglove LEG unit, leading to the development of a simulated electronic prototype for the Airglove unit.

Four students, three final year undergraduate students and one MSc student were involved in the product design including Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawing and prototyping, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design and testing, electrical engineering as well as contributing to the medical device and signal processing of the product.

The students proposed new electronics features, i.e. remote control, battery power, new sensors, smart control unit and wireless connectivity of the device, for the future advanced model of the Airglove unit.

The project was funded through a Standard Innovation Voucher and Advanced Innovation Voucher.

The Benefits

• Redesigning Airglove for the PAD market will be a disrupter, improving PAD treatment outcomes, increasing patient mobility, minimising leg amputations, and delivering cost savings for the NHS.
• Development of Airglove technology for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) opens up a significantly larger market for Airglove Medical Ltd both in the UK and internationally.
• Airglove LEG supports the UK Government’s Healthy Ageing Grand Challenge and the NHS backlog reduction focussed on “New treatments and diagnostic and streamlined surgical methods believed to result in more patients being seen to quickly and safely”.
• Airglove technology has earned Airglove Medical Ltd several awards including the Seal of Excellence from the European Commission (2019), Runner-Up in the Medilink West Midlands Medical & Healthcare Business Awards for Partnership with the NHS (2018), shortlisted in the Medilink North Medical & Healthcare Business Awards for Partnership with the NHS (2025) and a finalist for Innovation of the Year at the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards (2024).

Academic Benefits

• Four students, three final year undergraduate students and one MSc student, involved in this project, have gained good industrial experience. They will be able to use the transferable skills and knowledge gained in product design, electronics circuit design, presentation, and communication skills from this project for their future career.
• Applying the academic knowledge to new products designed for commercially established markets will deliver impact on accelerated timescales raising the profile and demonstrating the strengths of the university and its scope for further industrial collaboration.
• The knowledge generated through this project will support future funding applications, inform several final-year and MSc student projects, and contribute to teaching materials—helping to equip the next generation of engineers with up-to-date, industry-relevant expertise.

The Next Steps

• The Airglove LEG working prototype is to be used in the Human Factors Research and 1st Phase patient service evaluation trials in conjunction with Professor Philip Stather, Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon, Norfolk & Norwich University hospital.
• An Innovate UK Fast Start Grant of £50K was secured to help further develop a new product, Airglove mobile. Airglove Medical Ltd are looking at other funding resources such as innovate UK, KTP etc. to continue to develop the advanced features of the Airglove unit.
• Airglove Medical Ltd aim to apply for a Scottish Enterprise SMART Grant to continue the Airglove project and develop the Airglove unit for both the arm and the leg with AI technology.
• Several BEng and MSc projects to be set up.

Be part of the conversation at the Art of Possible session on 19th June at the Glasgow Science Centre.

As part of the #Glasgow 850 celebrations, this Art of Possible session will highlight Glasgow’s remarkable health and life sciences journey—a story that blends centuries of scientific discovery with today’s cutting-edge medical technologies. The Glasgow’s Innovation Journey campaign is a year-long initiative showcasing how Glasgow’s industrial past has laid the foundation for the high-tech advancements of today. This month, the focus is on the city’s thriving health and life sciences sector, from breakthroughs in biotechnology and medical research to pioneering technologies that enhance patient care. Glasgow continues to lead the way in global health innovation.

This Art of Possible session will explore how technology is transforming and democratising healthcare — making it more accessible, personalised, and efficient for all.

Join the panel of experts to examine how emerging technologies are transforming areas such as early disease detection, patient wellbeing, and precision medicine. From robot-assisted surgery and ultrasonic imaging to AI-powered diagnostics, the session will explore how Glasgow’s health tech innovators are tackling global health challenges while breaking down barriers to more personalised care.

Whether it’s through data-led approaches or immersive AR/VR tools for patient and clinician support, the region’s ecosystem is shaping a future where location and circumstance no longer determine access to high-quality healthcare.

Who is Speaking?

• Dr Stephen Breslin – Chief Executive, Glasgow Science Centre
• Janette Hughes – Director of Planning & Performance, The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) (Chair)Nico Fenu – CEO & Founder, Nami Surgical
• Dr Paul Chapman – Director of Emerging Technology, The Glasgow School of Art
• More speakers to be confirmed soon

This will be a valuable session for business leaders, researchers, technologists, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

The DHI Care and Well Being Portfolio, in collaboration with the Healthy Ageing Innovation Cluster, is hosting an online interactive workshop on 17th June to engage with industry organisations on key priorities for innovation in social care in Scotland and opportunities for adoption and scale up.        

The workshop will set out emerging proposals for how digital innovation in social care can be supported and developed, and how we can leverage research and innovation opportunities.  The organisers are keen to hear about products and developments relevant to social care that are underway, along with the experience of scale-up and barriers to be addressed.

During the workshop, new opportunities will be identified for digital innovation in social care and how your organisation could contribute to development and implementation of innovative products and services. 

The revolution of artificial intelligence in healthcare is no longer a distant prospect; it is a present reality, rapidly advancing. Join the webinar on Friday, 23rd May 2025, to listen to a panel of experts from Norway and Scotland who will explore key issues related to the use of artificial intelligence.

This webinar is organised in collaboration between the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, Scotland, the Centre for e-health at the University of Agder, Norway. During this event, the panel of experts will present insights into key themes related to AI policy and ethics and provide examples of how AI is being harnessed to transform health and care.

AI is on pace to become a more integrated part of people’s everyday lives. Leveraging AI has the potential to reshape public services and deliver better outcomes for citizens. By sharing knowledge, learning, and working collaboratively, we can unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence and build a brighter tomorrow.

This webinar is part of a two-part series, with the next webinar scheduled for autumn, focusing on skills and capabilities for artificial intelligence. Join us and be part of this conversation.

Find out more about the agenda and speakers here.

The Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies was established to accelerate the advancements of research and is dedicated to facilitating the development of new technologies. Through collaborations with healthcare industry experts, stakeholders, charities and academics it has begun addressing critical global health challenges. Through a collaborative approach, their goal is to continue delivering innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions.

This Showcase event will shine a spotlight on The Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies and the research underway designed to address some of the most pressing challenges in global healthcare.

Keynote speakers include Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Adviser and Head of the Public Health Profession for the UK Government, and speaker David Dent, a previous member of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, Honorary Professor at Stirling University Business School and Executive Director for Paraxel Biotech. You will hear from Dubai representatives and also have the opportunity to engage with interactive demonstrations and network with academics from within the Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies.

The day will feature research breakthroughs and technology demonstrations, including photonics solutions enhancing clinical precision, next-generation smart health sensors driving real-time diagnostics, and advanced microfluidics revolutionising biomedical workflows. You will also have the option to join a tour of the Immersive Suite, featuring a state-of-the-art patient simulator and a dynamic projection system. This cutting-edge facility can recreate a wide range of environments, serving as a powerful hub for co-design and testing.

The event will offer networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with researchers, industry leaders, and stakeholders driving impactful change in healthcare. ​

If you would like to find out more about The Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies, please visit Health and Care Technologies | Heriot-Watt University

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface will be attending this event.