We are the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Sustainable Innovation, hosted by the Royal Devon University Healthcare Foundation Trust in partnership with the University of Exeter.

We collaborate with businesses to develop medical devices, diagnostics, and digital technologies that enable earlier diagnosis, better health monitoring, and improved management of conditions such as cancer, dementia, cardiovascular, and respiratory disease with a focus on sustainability.

Working across the NIHR infrastructure and with the region’s NHS services, we identify patient needs and respond with cutting-edge solutions, either by developing new technologies or optimising existing ones.

Transforming healthcare and innovation in the South West

We’re driving innovation, improving healthcare, and supporting a greener future while making a positive impact on communities in the South West and beyond. At the same time, we’re boosting the region’s technological and science capabilities, helping to advance patient care, and supporting the NHS in becoming more sustainable and cost-effective

What is an NIHR HRC?

The NIHR is the research arm of the NHS. NIHR HealthTech Research Centres (HRCs) are centres of excellence embedded in leading NHS organisations across England. They focus on speeding up the development, testing, and use of medical devices, digital health tools, and diagnostics. HRCs work with businesses, from healthtech startups to digital innovators and non-life science companies, to bring new healthcare technologies to market—making sure they are safe, effective, and beneficial for both patients and the NHS.