This year, the Group will focus on driving forward the delivery of the Life Sciences Sector Plan, working hand‑in‑hand with Government, system leaders and industry partners. Members have identified three priority areas where the UK technology sector is uniquely positioned to accelerate progress and unlock impact.
Our mission for 2026
Our mission is clear: to mobilise the technology industry as a delivery partner to Government and the wider life sciences sector.
We aim to act as a convening force across the ecosystem—bringing together digital health innovators, pharma, biotech, MedTech SMEs, researchers, clinicians and policymakers—to develop practical solutions, foster collaboration, and amplify the expertise of techUK members.
Key priorities for 2026
Following member input, the Group has identified three headline priorities where collective action can help deliver the Life Sciences Sector Plan:
- Establishing the Health Data Research Service (HDRS)
Supporting the design, development and implementation of the new Service, ensuring it enables secure, trusted and efficient access to data for research and innovation.
- Cutting clinical trial set‑up times to under 150 days
Contributing industry expertise to efforts to reduce bureaucracy, standardise contracts and streamline processes to meet the Government’s March 2026 target.
- Enhancing the NIHR offer for biotech and medtech SMEs
Including supporting digital connectivity for real-world AI evaluations and strengthening pathways that help SMEs navigate the innovation, adoption and evidence landscape.
These focus areas sit within a broader strategic ambition: to raise techUK’s profile as a key partner in life sciences and champion the role of digital technology in driving faster, safer and more impactful adoption.
Our aims
Throughout 2026, the Group will work to:
- Strengthen partnerships and collaboration
Building deeper connections across the life sciences, digital health and healthcare ecosystem – and demonstrating what impactful cross‑sector collaboration looks like in practice.
- Drive adoption of innovative technologies
Supporting members and policymakers as they integrate AI, data analytics and emerging tech in safe, effective and patient‑centred ways.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and insight exchange
Creating space for members to share insights, surface challenges, showcase solutions and deepen understanding across the sector.
Objectives for 2026
To deliver on these aims, the Working Group will:
- Convene task and finish groups aligned to each of the three priority actions.
- Engage directly with policymakers, including the Office for Life Sciences, through roundtables, workshops and structured feedback mechanisms.
- Develop an evidence‑based solutions pack, positioning techUK member expertise against the actions set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan.
- Act as a partner to government, offering a model ecosystem for accelerating adoption and supporting emerging technologies.
Deliverables
Members can expect the following outputs throughout 2026:
Two flagship sets of member‑generated asks and solutions structured against the Life Sciences Sector Plan, alongside additional position papers developed as needed.
- Use cases and case studies
Illustrations of real‑world solutions showcasing how techUK members enable successful, scalable and sustainable partnerships.
Regular meetings with Government bodies and agencies, including OLS, DHSC, DSIT, DBT, NIHR, NHS England and others.
A flagship life sciences policy and innovation event (subject to programme approval), in addition to Group meetings, roundtables and task and finish sessions.
- New communications platform
A dedicated space for updates, engagement, resources and community building across the Working Group.
Stakeholder engagement in 2026
We will continue to build strong working relationships with:
2026 will be a pivotal year for the UK life sciences sector, with major opportunities to influence how data, AI and digital technologies shape the future of research, regulation and innovation.
We encourage members – whether long-standing contributors or new to the Group –to participate actively, share insights and help drive progress.
If you would like to join the Working Group, contribute case studies, or participate in a task and finish group, please get in touch with the techUK team via [email protected].
