Calls for urgent collaboration to close UK MedTech innovation gaps and deliver next-generation cancer diagnostics

Developed through the MARRS programme, the reports – Pre-Competitive Gaps in UK MedTech and Breaking Through the Barriers Against Next-Generation Cancer Diagnostics – set out how targeted public-private action could transform UK competitiveness, boost NHS productivity and bring life-saving technologies to patients faster.

The new findings build on earlier MARRS research published in September 2025, which highlighted systemic challenges in regulation, investment and NHS adoption, and now focus on the practical models needed to overcome challenges holding whole sectors back.

The Pre-Competitive Gaps in UK MedTech report identifies systemic barriers that no single organisation can solve alone, from the need for new diagnostics and interoperable data systems to limited testbeds for clinical validation. The UK MedTech sector is worth more than £30 billion to the economy and employs around 145,000 people, yet transformative, sector-wide changes are essential to overcome these pervasive challenges, accelerate innovation and deliver better outcomes for patients.

The report investigated three priority areas where coordinated investment could deliver the greatest impact: wound care, and surgical robotics. Chronic wounds already cost the NHS an estimated £8.8 billion each year, while achieving aspirations of moving testing nearer to patients requires solving key technology and infrastructure challenges. In surgical robotics, shared evaluation and training facilities could accelerate the adoption of technologies that cut recovery times by up to 30%.

Nicola Broughton, HealthTech Technologist at CPI, said achieving transformative changes for the mutual benefit of patients, healthcare providers, and industry requires large-scale collaboration. “By aligning investment, regulation and technical capability across sectors, we can turn the UK’s scientific excellence into scalable solutions that deliver real benefits for patients and the economy. These reports show how collective ambition can be translated into tangible action to help the UK move from world-class research to world-leading products.”

Another key report developed as part of the programme, Breaking Through the Barriers Against Next-Generation Cancer Diagnostics, outlines how the UK can accelerate the development and adoption of next-generation cancer diagnostic solutions. It focuses on advancing technologies from cutting-edge research, such as circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), proteomics, multi-omics, and spatial biology, moving them from promising research into routine clinical practice. Earlier and more accurate detection has the potential to save thousands of lives and significantly reduce the annual cost of cancer care, whilst growing the UK’s leadership within this important global industry.

Dr Pari Datta, Head of Technology Strategy for HealthTech and IVD at CPI, said the findings set out a clear, actionable vision to accelerate the development of the next generation of diagnostic solutions to advance cancer care:

“This report sets out a bold vision for collaboration led by the UK, uniting global industry leaders, innovative UK SMEs, and the UK’s world-class scientific and clinical community. For too long, technologies like proteomics, multi-omics, and spatial biology have remained in research settings despite their potential to transform patient outcomes. To change this, we need to work together to reduce risk and accelerate adoption.

“By creating pre-competitive environments where organisations can de-risk early innovation, co-develop standards, and share data, we can advance disruptive diagnostics to improve cancer care globally, and position the UK as a leader in the development and delivery of next-generation diagnostics for cancer.”

Both reports can be downloaded at:

• Pre-Competitive Gaps in UK MedTech
• Breaking Through the Barriers Against Next-Generation Cancer Diagnostics