Stotles x techUK Webinar on AI and Emerging Technology in Healthcare

As the NHS enters a new era of digital transformation, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies is evolving rapidly. In a recent webinar, techUK partnered with market intelligence specialists Stotles to explore the size and scope of these opportunities—and how suppliers can move from reactive bidding to proactive engagement.

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:

Start early – Engage buyers before contracts go live
Fit, don’t fight – Align with existing EPRs and cloud infrastructure
Show value at scale – Position your tech as scalable, not just a pilot
Map opportunities – Focus on expiring contracts and ICS capital plans
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 [email protected], and for more information from Stotles please email [email protected].

Rachel Kennedy

Programme Manager Health and Social Care, techUK

Rachel joined techUK in December 2024, as a Programme Manager in the Health and Social Care team.

Prior to this, Rachel worked at a specialist health and social care public affairs agency, working with a range of organisations and trade bodies across the medical technology, pharmaceutical, digital health and social care sectors. As well as this, Rachel was part of the Secretariat for a number of health and care related All-Party Parliamentary Groups.

Rachel has a Masters in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Leeds, as well as a first-class honours in Politics BA from Newcastle University.

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Health and Social Care Programme activities

techUK is helping its members navigate the complex space of digital health in the UK to ensure our NHS and social care sector is prepared for the challenges of the future. We help validate new ideas and build impactful strategies, ultimately ensuring that members are market-ready. Visit the programme page here.