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Stotles x techUK Webinar on AI and Emerging Technology in Healthcare

29 July 20252 min read
News
Stotles x techUK Webinar on AI and Emerging Technology in Healthcare

Here are some key takeaways from the session:

Understanding the Opportunity: AI and Emerging Tech in the NHS

The NHS is shifting from digitising records to embedding AI-driven, data-led decision-making across care pathways. Significant investment is being made—£3.4 billion announced in Spring 2024 alone—with Labour signalling continued commitment. As emerging tech becomes central to NHS service delivery, suppliers have a chance to shape the landscape.

Key figures:

  • £505 million in emerging tech contracts expire in the next 18 months

  • £83 million of that comes due in Q1 2026 alone

  • New digital-first priorities are anchored in the NHS 10-Year Plan

Strategic Shifts in Procurement

The procurement landscape is changing:

  • National-level deals remain dominant (86% of total tech contract value), but growth is now in local and regional opportunities, where agility and innovation thrive.

  • The dissolution of NHS England will push power towards ICSs and Trusts, offering suppliers more diverse routes to engage.

Suppliers must understand the three-tier procurement system:

National (slow, large-scale), Regional (shared services), Local (fast, fragmented).

How to Build a Winning NHS Strategy

Stotles outlined several key actions suppliers should take:

  1. Start early – Engage buyers before contracts go live

  2. Fit, don’t fight – Align with existing EPRs and cloud infrastructure

  3. Show value at scale – Position your tech as scalable, not just a pilot

  4. Map opportunities – Focus on expiring contracts and ICS capital plans

  5. Use the right channels – Combine frameworks like G-Cloud with direct engagement

Market Spotlights

Data, AI and Analytics

  • AI is shifting from pilots to pipelines

  • £338m worth of data-related contracts expiring soon

  • Smart integration and clean data are essential for success

Cyber Security

  • Current spend sits below £100m

  • NHS prefers bundled security over point solutions

  • Strong partnerships and compliance offerings are winning

Digital Experience and Engagement

  • 282 contracts worth £258m tied to patient-facing digital tools

  • There’s a strong focus on frictionless digital front doors

From Reactive to Proactive

To truly lead in this space, suppliers must:

  • Engage before tenders go live

  • Understand the existing buyer landscape

  • Track competitor activity

  • Tailor strategies to local procurement pathways

Final Thoughts

As AI and emerging tech become embedded in NHS delivery models, the suppliers who act early, align with system needs, and build strong regional strategies will be best placed to lead. Frameworks are important—but insight, timing, and relationship-building are everything.

For more information please email rachel.kennedy@techuk.org, and for more information from Stotles please email rose@stotles.com.