Health Frontiers Technology Innovation Centre

— Ongoing

The Health Frontiers-Technology Innovation Centre, led by Ulster University, is a flagship cross-border hub for research and innovation, driving advancements in next- generation digital health and medical technologies.

Backed by a €9.1 million investment from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) through the Peace Plus Programme, Health Frontiers is accelerating innovation in digital health and MedTech across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The project contributes directly to Peace Plus Investment Area 2.2 (Innovation Challenge Fund), strengthening research capacity and supporting the adoption of advanced healthcare technologies. 

The Centre brings together leading universities, healthcare providers, and MedTech companies to co-develop solutions that improve patient care, enhance clinical systems, and drive economic growth. In total, the initiative connects 11 academic and clinical partners with 25 MedTech SMEs across three regions.

Key Partners

  • Lead Institution: Ulster University (Northern Ireland)
  • Ireland: Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Dublin City University (DCU), University College Dublin (UCD), Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
  • Scotland: Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
  • Clinical Partners: Southern, Belfast, and Northern Health & Social Care Trusts
  • Network Partner: Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI)

Research and Innovation Focus

Health Frontiers is structured around three interconnected research strands:

1. Next Generation Medical Devices - Designing and validating user-centred medical devices that address real clinical needs.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health Systems - Applying data science and AI to enhance clinical decision-making and healthcare delivery.

3. Digital Transformation of Clinical Practice - Supporting healthcare systems and professionals to adopt, trust, and embed digital solutions in routine care.

 

Expected Impact

Through the Peace Plus Innovation Challenge Fund, Health Frontiers will:

  • Deliver collaborative research across 11 academic and clinical partners
  • Support 25 MedTech SMEs through targeted innovation projects
  • Develop 25+ new products and processes for real-world healthcare application
  • Establish a new £45 million Digital Healthcare Technology Hub in Belfast
  • Drive long-term economic, health, and societal impact through cross-border collaboration 

This initiative will strengthen innovation capacity, foster a culture of digital transformation, and support the widespread adoption of advanced healthcare technologies across the region.

Opportunities for Engagement

Health Frontiers offers a unique platform for collaboration, innovation, and real-world impact.

For Industry

  • Co-develop and validate digital health and MedTech solutions with leading partners
  • Access expertise in design, regulation, and clinical validation
  • Accelerate innovation through dedicated R&I support 

For Academia

  • Engage in high-impact, multidisciplinary research
  • Build cross-border collaborations and access new funding opportunities
  • Translate research into practical healthcare solutions 

For Clinicians and Healthcare Systems

  • Co-design technologies aligned with clinical needs
  • Contribute to digitally enabled models of care
  • Improve patient outcomes, safety, and system efficiency 

For Communities and Patients

  • Benefit from more accessible and connected healthcare services
  • Participate in user-centred research and innovation
  • Share in the broader societal and economic benefits of digital health advancement