The Medilink North of England Healthcare Business Awards 2026, held on 30 April, brought together leaders from industry, academia and healthcare to recognise outstanding achievements in areas such as medical technology, digital health and innovation.
Since being founded at the University of Sheffield 30 years ago, Medilink - a membership association and consultancy - has played a key role in connecting businesses, fostering collaboration and accelerating the development of cutting-edge healthcare solutions across the UK.
University of Sheffield research and spin-out companies were among those recognised at the city’s iconic Cutler’s Hall:
Start-up Award
Mitotype Precision Labs - The University of Sheffield spin-out won the prestigious Start-Up Award, for its work in transforming how we screen drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.
NANOncolytics Ltd - Fellow University spin-out company NANOncolytics Ltd was also shortlisted in this strong field, for developing a novel way to deliver drugs in a more targeted way within the human body.
Partnership between Business and Academia Award
GE Healthcare and the University’s POLARIS Group, part of the Insigneo Institute, were shortlisted in a similarly strong field for their long-standing partnership, which focuses on developing more affordable and accessible MRI scanners.
Other notable winners included South Yorkshire’s JRI Orthopaedics and Lablogic Group Holdings, exemplifying the region's industrial strengths in medical technologies.
Explore the winners and nominees
Professor Tracey Moore, Interim Vice President and Head of the University’s Faculty of Health, said: “Medilink’s story is firmly rooted here in Sheffield. It was founded within the University of Sheffield and, after three decades of growth and evolution, remains headquartered in the city.
“That longevity makes Medilink the longest-standing University of Sheffield healthcare start-up still based and operating here today, something that both the University and the city can be extremely proud of.
“The breadth and depth of the winners and nominees this year is a testament to the exceptional talent and expertise in the North of England and its role in driving the UK’s £100 billion life sciences sector.
“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and a special mention to those representing the University of Sheffield for your work in translating world-leading research into real world impact across the North and beyond.”
Tom Elliott, Chief Executive Officer at Medilink, said: “This year’s high-profile awards event was exceptional. Nearly 300 delegates gathered in a full ballroom at the Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield for an unforgettable evening, marking our 30-year milestone while celebrating the achievements and innovative progress across the healthcare community.
“Congratulations to all the shortlisted organisations, especially to this year’s winners and thank you to all our sponsors, especially the support from Equans Sci-Tech.”
The ceremony was hosted by magician Paul Martin and featured a welcome address from Sir James Mackey, CEO of NHS England, who praised the regional commitment to innovation. Keynote speaker Professor Shafi Ahmed, a multi-award-winning surgeon and futurist, delivered an inspiring talk on the future of healthcare technology.
Medilink North of England is a professional membership association and specialist consultancy for the life sciences sector, part of Medilink UK, they help businesses and organisations to innovate and prosper by improving sector connectivity and identifying opportunities, as well as helping organisations to grow by providing cost-effective consultancy support to become more competitive and profitable.
For more information, please visit www.medilink.co.uk