Event: Building stronger life sciences businesses in the East Midlands

Leading life science organisations will come together to help consider the future of life sciences innovation, manufacturing, medtech and health resilience.

The event, organised by Charnwood Campus Life Sciences Network in partnership with Medilink Midlands, will take place as part of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2026.

It will bring together businesses, investors, universities and NHS partners to look at how the UK can grow its life sciences industry, strengthen supply chains, and boost productivity. 

And the event will consider one critical question: How do we build resilient, investable and globally competitive life sciences capabilities in the East Midlands - and how do we fund it?

The focus will be on regional strengths, including bio‑chemistry, pharmaceuticals, transferring ideas from the lab into clinics, and advanced manufacturing.

The event, entitled Building Globally Competitive Life Sciences Cluster Part 2: Finance & Investment will take place on Tuesday 10 March from 8.30am to 4.30pm at Charnwood Campus Science, Innovation & Technology Park, in Loughborough.

What topics will be covered? 

• How the UK can return as a leader in life sciences manufacturing
• What companies need to move from early‑stage research to full‑scale production
• How regulators including MHRA and NICE can help new treatments and technologies reach patients more quickly and safely
• How to build stronger, more reliable health supply chains and prepare better for future shocks
• Success stories from innovative Leicestershire businesses.

The event is aimed at entrepreneurs looking for investment, business leaders who want to grow and scale, academics and clinicians thinking about spinning out an idea, and SMEs interested in finding partners and collaborations.

What will attendees learn?

Delegates will be able to:

• Learn from experienced business leaders
• Hear directly from investment and funding experts
• Take part in panel discussions and ask questions
• Meet and network with like‑minded organisations
• Start new collaborations that can move projects forward

You can book onto the event here

Confirmed speakers include senior figures from companies and organisations such as Quotient Sciences, Lab Makers, MHRA, Barclays, Medilink Midlands, Health Innovation Network East Midlands, British Business Bank and others across finance, regulation and supply chain. 

Together, they will explore how the Midlands region - and the UK - can turn strong science into real‑world impact for patients, businesses and the wider economy.

How does this fit into Leicestershire Innovation Festival?

The Life Sciences event is one of 10 sessions at Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2026. Led by the Business Gateway Growth Hub and the Innovative Leicestershire partnership, it is a week-long series of events.

By attending, SMEs can access expert guidance on funding and business growth, discover tools and technologies to boost productivity and connect with universities, innovation partners, and fellow business leaders.

Times, venues and details of all LIF26 events - including registration portals - are available here.