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Biofilm Breakthroughs: Partnering for next-generation biofilm control

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About this event

Hosted by the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) in partnership with the University of Nottingham Centre for Healthcare Technologies (CHT), this interactive half-day workshop is designed to help HealthTech industry innovators collaborate with leading researchers to tackle device contamination and infection-risk challenges.

Biofilms remain a persistent and costly issue in medical technologies, affecting device reliability, patient safety, regulatory pathways and product performance. As a core NBIC partner, the University of Nottingham brings together world-leading expertise and a suite of innovations highly relevant to the HealthTech sector, spanning biosensing, surface engineering, advanced imaging and translational diagnostics.

This event provides an opportunity to explore cutting-edge solutions, develop collaborative ideas and accelerate innovation from concept to real-world application. By taking part, you could help shape impactful new approaches and potentially secure funding through the NBIC Innovation Challenge Fund*. Participants can also apply for a share of up to £10,000 for eligible projects via UKRI's Impact Accelerator Accounts (IAA)*, facilitated by the University of Nottingham IP Commercialisation Team to support and formalise industry–academia collaborations.

*Eligibility, terms and conditions apply.

Who should attend?

This event is ideal for established SMEs and larger companies operating in the HealthTech, MedTech and medical device sectors that have the capacity, resource and strategic intent to partner on collaborative R&D projects with the University of Nottingham or the National Biofilms Innovation Centre.

Why attend?

• Connect with experts in biofilm detection, diagnostics, surface engineering and infection-risk mitigation
• Explore collaborative project ideas with multidisciplinary research teams
• Gain insights to support the development of safer, more reliable HealthTech products
• Apply for funding to initiate early-stage industry–academia partnership activities

Join us to discover how strategic collaboration can unlock new approaches to managing biofilms in next-generation medical technologies.

Speakers

Our programme is designed to encourage interaction, idea-sharing and collaboration:

• Flash talks: Hear from researchers and industry leaders as they present their latest work in short, engaging talks.
• Funding advice: Gain practical guidance on available funding opportunities, including how to identify the right scheme, strengthen your application, and build competitive, collaborative proposals.
• Speed and free networking: Continue the conversation in an informal setting designed to encourage open discussion and idea sharing.

Agenda

Book your place

Places are limited at this event to ensure meaningful discussion and productive networking. They will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

To reserve your place at this event, please complete a short online booking form.

By registering for this event, you agree that the University of Nottingham may share your personal details with the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC). NBIC event data is administered and processed by the University of Southampton. Data collection is carried out in line with relevant data protection laws and the University of Southampton Data Protection Policy.

Getting here

Location: The National Biofilms Innovation Centre’s Nottingham Hub, Biodiscovery Institute, University Park Campus, Nottingham, NG7 2RD (Building 43, Grid Ref: G3 on the University Park Campus map)

For more information about travelling to the University Park Campus, including parking and public transport advice, please visit our maps and directions page.

Enquiries

If you have a question about this event, please email Deanne Hewson, Senior Healthtech Strategy Manager: deanne.hewson@nottingham.ac.uk

Collaborate with us

With a network of over 3,000 researchers spanning multiple sectors, we connect businesses with the sharpest minds to develop cutting-edge solutions that transform industries and communities across the UK and beyond.

Through government-funded research partnerships, you can unlock new opportunities, boost productivity, and expand into new markets. Whether you're looking to enhance your R&D capabilities, develop breakthrough technologies, or address complex challenges, we provide the expertise and support to turn ideas into impact.

Find out more about collaborating with us

Collaborate with the National Biofilms Innovation Centre

The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) connects world-leading scientists with industry partners to translate biofilm research into practical, commercial solutions. It helps organisations better understand, control, and exploit biofilms through collaboration, expertise, and targeted support, driving biofilm innovation and commercial growth. NBIC Industry Membership provides businesses with a direct route into this collaborative network, offering access to specialist expertise, facilities, and funding opportunities that support innovation, accelerate development, and help translate biofilm research into real-world applications.

Find out more about NBIC Industry Membership.

Image credit: S. aureus, C. albicans and P. aeruginosa polymicrobial biofilm grown under anoxic conditions. Brogan Richards, University of Nottingham.