The UK is a powerhouse for innovation in Health and Life Science – leading the world in vaccine manufacturing, medical devices and HealthTech innovations, improving outcomes for patients worldwide. West Yorkshire is the central location for HealthTech innovation in the UK and is home to a thriving and dynamic, internationally active, market.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority, works across the public and private sectors to stimulate growth that will create jobs and prosperity for everyone who lives, works, and does business in the region. We develop strategy and policy aimed at meeting both the current and the future needs of our region's economy to unlock the region’s vast economic potential and enabling businesses to grow and develop. Our work covers the West Yorkshire districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield. We play a key role in encouraging businesses in the region to explore overseas markets and trade internationally, as set out in the West Yorkshire International Trade Plan.

West Yorkshire has a thriving health and life sciences sector. Our world-leading companies are at the forefront of medical innovation from regenerative tissue scaffolds to knee replacements. Over 600 regional businesses, supply products and services to our health and care sector, with a third of these focused on digital health application. Our medical device manufacturers are creating new and innovative fabrics and materials to combat microbial resistance and improve patient safety. Over 196,000 people are employed in this sector across the region and over 22% of the UK’s digital health jobs are based here. These businesses play a key role as we accelerate innovation to transform health and care both in the UK and internationally. 

The West Yorkshire Health, Life Sciences and Digital Investment Zone is a partnership between local government and universities. It is estimated £160 million will be invested over ten years to help companies boost innovation, jobs and growth in our thriving health and life sciences sector.