Wales: where life sciences innovation shapes a healthier future

Last week at the Welsh Government Investment Summit, leaders from across the life sciences sector came together to showcase how Wales is building a complete ecosystem to drive health innovation, economic growth and global competitiveness.

Wales is positioning its life sciences sector as a cornerstone of economic growth and health innovation. The industry already generates £3.59 billion in annual turnover, employs 13,000 people across 287 companies, and exports £1.24 billion worth of goods. With strong government backing and a connected ecosystem, Wales offers a compelling environment for life sciences businesses to establish, scale and innovate.

Key strengths

Integrated health system: NHS Wales serves 3.2 million people and provides streamlined access for clinical trials and innovation adoption.

Rich data assets: Wales hosts some of the most comprehensive health and genetic databanks globally, enabling advanced research and precision medicine.

Academic excellence: Eight universities deliver research excellence across neuroscience, drug discovery, nanotechnology and population health.

Infrastructure: Thirty-four laboratories, four science parks and 56 support organisations underpin a thriving innovation landscape.

Talent pipeline: More than 37,000 students are enrolled in life sciences-related courses, contributing to a strong future workforce and 64 university spin-outs.

Innovation ecosystem highlights

Life Sciences Hub Wales: A catalyst for innovation, connecting industry, academia and health services to accelerate adoption.

Cardiff Health Partners: A strategic alliance driving translational research and clinical trials in neuroscience, cancer and precision medicine.

Commercial Research Delivery Wales: Offers a “One Wales” model for clinical trials — one contract, one price and rapid setup.

Flagship developments

Llanfrechfa Medi-Park: A planned global hub for healthcare innovation adjacent to The Grange University Hospital.
M-SParc: Wales’ first science park, supporting research and development in medtech, AI and clean energy.
National Institute for Sport and Health (NISH): A unique testbed for sport-health innovation.
Pentre Awel: A multi-use development integrating health, research, education and business facilities.

Opportunities for techUK members

Digital health and AI: Wales is developing AI growth zones and embedding digital innovation across health and social care — ideal for members operating in AI, data analytics and digital health.

Clinical trials and data access: Engage with Commercial Research Delivery Wales for streamlined trial delivery and access world-class datasets such as the SAIL Databank.

Collaborative research and development: Partner with universities and hubs such as Cardiff Health Partners and M-SParc for joint innovation projects.

Infrastructure investment: Explore opportunities in major developments including Llanfrechfa Medi-Park, Pentre Awel and M-SParc 2.

Export and scale: Leverage Welsh Government trade missions and support for international expansion.

Funding and co-investment: Welsh Government and UK-wide schemes (including VPAG investment) provide routes for co-investment in innovation and infrastructure.

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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