UK

On September 1, 2025, the application window opened to join the 2026 NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) program. NIA supports the development of innovators (Fellows) and the spread of their innovation nationally. The 2026 call is not limited to a specific theme and is open to innovations addressing any health and care challenges. The application deadline is October 12, 2025.

In August 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released three Med Tech-related assessments in its HTA Journal, which concerned nephrology and urology, endocrinology, radiotherapy, and neurosurgery fields.

On August 21, 2025, NHS England published an updated work plan for the development of Clinical Commissioning Policies for specialised services. One new MedTech-related policy concerning renal denervation for resistant hypertension was added to the work program, and none have been published since the previous update. The status of ongoing policies has also been updated.

In August 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published three new Late Stage Assessments on transcatheter heart valves for TAVI, bed frames in acute medical or surgical hospital wards, and compression products for venous leg ulcers.

In June-July 2025, Health Technology Wales (HTW) accomplished one full appraisal on implantable tibial neuromodulation devices for urinary incontinence. In addition, seven Med Tech-related Topic Exploration Reports were published in the e-health, diagnostic imaging, in-vitro diagnostics, neurology, and radiotherapy fields.

In August 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) announced two new projects within its Health Technology Assessment Innovation Laboratory (HTA Lab). The projects explore generative AI technologies in economic modelling and how AI can support and enhance NICE’s HTA processes through automation, predictive modeling, and reasoning systems.

On August 7, 2025, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) launched a public consultation on its proposed recommendation to continue the in-service evaluation of newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in real-world NHS settings. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by October 27, 2025.

In July 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released seven Med Tech-related assessments in its HTA Journal, which concerned nephrology and urology, pulmonology, gynecology, in-vitro diagnostics and e-Health fields.

As of August 2025, the Scottish Health Technology Group is developing four Med Tech-related HTAs in cardiovascular, diagnostic imaging, neurology and neurosurgery, neuromodulation, and orthopedics areas.

In July 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new Interventional Procedures Guidance on pulsed-field ablation in atrial fibrillation, one new Early Value Assessment on digital technologies in anxiety and depression, and two new Late Stage Assessments (One-piece closed bags for colostomies, intermittent urethral catheters for chronic incomplete bladder emptying).

On July 16, 2025, the UK Government published the Life Sciences Sector Plan, which outlines targeted actions to support world-class research and development, attract investment, and accelerate health innovation and NHS reform. The key actions to ensure faster access to clinically and cost-effective technologies include implementing the Rules-Based Pathway for MedTech, “Innovator Passport”, national standard guidance on value-based procurement for MedTech, and “HealthStore” (coverage of approved health apps for patients).

On July 9, 2025, the NHS Cancer Programme granted £14.4 million to seven projects through the third Innovation Open Call. The projects aimed to fast-track the implementation of proven, late-stage innovations for the early detection and diagnosis of cancer.