Accelerating HealthTech Innovation: The Power of Optics and Photonics
Date
Wednesday 20 May 2026
Location
School of Computer Science building, Room A07, University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus, NG8 1BB
About this event
Hosted by the University of Nottingham Centre for Healthcare Technologies (CHT) in partnership with the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), this interactive half-day workshop showcases how cutting-edge optics and photonics research can help industry partners solve complex imaging, sensing and miniaturisation challenges in the field of Healthcare Technologies.
Discover ground-breaking innovations, including:
- Miniaturisation and Compact Devices: Discover how photonics is making diagnostic tools smaller, smarter and clinically practical.
- Advanced Imaging and Tissue Analysis: Go beyond standard imaging to measure tissue properties like absorption, scattering and mechanical characteristics.
- Biochemical and Physiological Sensing: Explore label-free and point-of-care sensing technologies, from Raman spectroscopy for biochemical fingerprinting to fibre-based monitoring.
- Micro- and Nano-scale Measurement: Learn how micro- and nano-scale tools can probe cells and tissues for early disease detection.
- AI-enabled Computational Imaging: Understand how artificial intelligence and synthetic data are improving imaging and signal reconstruction.
By attending, you’ll gain insight into these cutting-edge innovations, explore collaborative opportunities and identify pathways to translate emerging optics and photonics solutions into commercial HealthTech applications.
Who should attend?
This event is ideal for established SMEs and larger companies working in HealthTech, MedTech, life sciences, optical technologies, imaging, diagnostics or minimally invasive devices that have the capacity, resource and strategic intent to partner on collaborative R&D projects with the University of Nottingham.
Why attend?
- Connect with leading experts in optics, photonics, imaging and diagnostic innovation
- Explore collaborative R&D ideas with multidisciplinary research teams
- Gain insight into emerging photonics technologies that can unlock new product capabilities
- Learn how to access translational funding to initiate early-stage partnerships
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
| Time | Agenda item |
|---|
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1pm
|
Arrival, registration and light refreshments
|
|
1.15pm
|
Welcome
Deanne Hewson
Senior HealthTech Strategy Manager, University of Nottingham
|
|
1.20pm
|
Overview from the Optics and Photonics research group and the University of Nottingham Centre for Healthcare Technologies (CHT)
|
|
1.30pm
|
Associated funding and post event support
|
|
1.40pm
|
Research flash presentations
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2pm
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Industry flash presentations
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|
2.20pm
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Break and refreshments
|
|
2.30pm
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Speed networking
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3.30–4pm
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Free networking
|
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.
Getting here
Location: School of Computer Science building, Room A07, University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus, NG8 1BB (building 4, entrance grid reference D2 on the Jubilee Campus map).
For more information about travelling to the Jubilee 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
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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