The region is focusing on innovation, collaboration, and commercialisation, to become a hotspot for healthcare solutions, medtech breakthroughs, and cutting-edge research. India, with its growing healthcare needs and thriving biotechnology sector, stands to benefit significantly from deeper engagement with Northern Ireland's Life and health sciences ecosystem.
A Legacy of Healthcare Innovation
Northern Ireland’s track record of healthcare innovation stretches back over 60 years. One of the region’s most significant contributions came in 1965 when Dr. Frank Pantridge, a cardiologist at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, invented the portable defibrillator, an innovation that continues to save countless lives each year. This legacy of pioneering healthcare advancements remains strong, with Northern Ireland at the forefront of medtech, healthtech, and biotech developments.
A Dynamic Life and Health Sciences Ecosystem
Northern Ireland’s Life and health sciences sector has experienced exponential growth, with a 75% increase over the past three years, making it the region’s fastest-growing sector with over 250 companies, exporting to over 145 countries, the sector is worth £1.9bn to Northern Ireland’s economy.
Northern Ireland’s unique positioning allows businesses to trade freely with Great Britain and the European Union, offering tariff-free access to two of the world's largest markets. This strategic advantage, coupled with a combination of talent, cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, product quality and intellectual property protection, makes Northern Ireland a key global player in addressing healthcare challenges with innovative solutions.
Among the many companies excelling in this field, Randox has made significant strides in India by working with leading clinical and forensic laboratories. They provide market-leading diagnostic solutions for hospitals, healthcare facilities, and laboratories. The Evidence MultiSTAT, a fully automated analyser, is a game-changer. It delivers fast, real-time results in under 30 minutes, enhancing clinical decision-making and patient care in emergency, critical care, and other healthcare settings.
Almac Clinical Services provides comprehensive support to sponsors, contract research organizations (CROs), and life science companies in India, ensuring the seamless management of all elements of the clinical supply chain for global clinical trials; include packaging, labeling, and distribution, with specialised expertise in cold chain logistics to maintain product integrity, which is essential for the success of clinical trials. Additionally, they offer protocol-specific supply design, as well as management of comparator and ancillary supplies. Their advanced technology solutions enable real-time inventory tracking and forecasting.
Additionally, through their Indian partner, TruCorp, have supplied cutting-edge medical training equipment to various institutions across the country, ensuring the best tools are available for the next generation of healthcare professionals. Eakin Healthcare supplies high-quality, innovative respiratory care products for use in India's critical care, neonatal, and perioperative sectors.
World-Class Research and Innovation
Northern Ireland’s strength lies in its ability to foster collaboration between industry, academia, and clinical experts. This unique synergy accelerates product development and commercialisation, allowing for faster, more agile innovation. The region boasts 18 world-leading research centres and over 1,000 researchers who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare.
Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, both ranked among the UK’s top bioscience research universities, lead the way in critical areas such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, antimicrobial-resistant infections, and ageing populations. Their research initiatives have resulted in numerous spinout companies, translating groundbreaking research into tangible healthcare solutions that benefit patients globally.
Medtech and Healthtech Excellence
Northern Ireland's strength in healthcare innovation is further underscored by its manufacturing capabilities, particularly in medical devices. Companies like Neurovalens, Haemoband, and Axial3D are developing cutting-edge solutions to tackle some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
Neurovalens specialises in innovative non-invasive neurostimulation products aimed at treating neurological disorders, while Haemoband specialises in the development and supply of colorectal and proctology products, offering a complete solution to clinicians and surgeons for the examination and treatment of haemorrhoids. Axial3D provides scalable, automated solutions that transform DICOM images into actionable 3D data. The commitment to innovation and quality makes Northern Ireland an ideal partner for healthcare companies in India and beyond.
A Compelling Proposition for India
India’s healthcare sector is rapidly expanding, driven by increasing demand for advanced diagnostics, medtech solutions, and innovative healthcare delivery models. Northern Ireland offers Indian companies a unique opportunity to tap into its world-class research, cutting-edge technology, and a highly skilled workforce. With a focus on collaboration, both regions can benefit from sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to address common healthcare challenges.
The opportunities for Indian companies to engage with Northern Ireland’s Life and health sciences sector are vast. Whether through partnerships, joint ventures, or investment in innovative research, the potential for growth and mutual benefit is enormous. As the global healthcare landscape evolves, Northern Ireland stands ready to collaborate and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.
