Wales Secures GBP 700,000 EU Funding to Expand Digital Healthcare Innovation Through Horizon Europe
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By joining the UNITE network, Wales becomes part of a broader European ecosystem focused on narrowing the digital health gap through innovation.
Wales has secured more than £700,000 in EU funding through the Horizon Europe programme to support its participation in the UNITE European Digital Health Valleys project, opening new opportunities for digital healthcare innovation.
The initiative has enabled Welsh organisations to build international partnerships, pursue collaborative research and accelerate the adoption of new healthcare technologies designed to address common health system challenges.
The funding marks the Welsh Government's first European Union grant agreement since the UK's departure from the EU.
Following the UK's return to Horizon Europe as an associated country in 2024, organisations across the country have regained access to one of the world's largest collaborative research and innovation programmes.
Horizon Europe supports multinational projects in science, technology and healthcare, helping participants develop solutions that can be implemented across multiple countries.
By joining the UNITE network, Wales becomes part of a broader European ecosystem focused on narrowing the digital health gap through innovation.
The project is expected to concentrate on challenges affecting healthcare systems across Europe, including ageing populations, workforce shortages and rising demand for frontline healthcare services. Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises, health boards, universities and innovation organisations are being encouraged to begin developing project ideas and establish partnerships with international collaborators ahead of future funding calls.
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price said, "Driving innovation-led economic growth, strengthening Wales’ international partnerships, and ensuring new technologies deliver tangible benefits for public services and businesses across Wales are key pillars of our new economic productivity mission. This major initiative will deliver on all those fronts, with a focus on addressing shared healthcare challenges such as the needs of ageing populations and workforce pressures by connecting industry, healthcare providers, academia and the public sector.
"As a UNITE partner region, Wales will play a central role in shaping a new digital health innovation ecosystem and gain access to a network of European digital health regions, opening up new opportunities for our most innovative sector organisations to collaborate internationally and access funding. Crucially, this will support the adoption of innovative solutions for NHS Wales while strengthening Wales’ position in the global digital health market," he added.
Officials also expect the initiative to encourage faster adoption of emerging digital technologies within NHS Wales and strengthen the country's position in the international digital health sector.
Businesses and institutions seeking guidance on participation can also access support through Business Wales as they explore future funding and collaboration opportunities.
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