A new initiative, led by Nottingham Trent University and Loughborough University, aims to position the East Midlands as a global hub for rehabilitation technology innovation. The project, known as EMERGE (East Midlands Emerging RehabTech Growth Enterprise), is funded by a multi-million-pound grant from the UK Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
EMERGE will connect hundreds of MedTech SMEs with healthcare professionals, academics, and the public to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies. By addressing key challenges such as access to skills, clinical partnerships, and investment, the project aims to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes.
The initiative will focus on areas such as sensor technology, medical device materials, bioengineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. By fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and healthcare providers, EMERGE will accelerate the translation of research into practical applications, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare systems.
Dr. Andrew Capel, from Loughborough University, highlighted the region’s strong foundation in rehabilitation science and its potential to become a global leader in the field. He emphasized the importance of the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in driving innovation and improving patient care.
The EMERGE project is committed to ensuring that the benefits of rehabilitation technology are accessible to all, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. By addressing health inequalities and improving access to care, the project aims to make a significant impact on public health.
