Horizon workshop set to help unlock new healthcare funding for Scottish innovation opportunities
An online event taking place this week will invite attendees to ‘Unlock the Future of Health Innovation with Horizon Europe’ by exploring a wealth of funding opportunities offered by the £80 billion programme
The free workshop on Wednesday 26 November is being hosted by Scottish Enterprise and supported by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office (CSO), NHS Research Scotland (NRS), and Innovate UK (IUK).
Formal NHS partner InnoScot Health considers it an important opportunity for Scotland’s progressive healthcare community to learn more ahead of Horizon Europe plans being fully revealed for 2026 and 2027 — the final two years of the programme in its current form.
Innovation and Commercialisation Manager at InnoScot Health, Fiona Schaefer said: “This is set to be an informative workshop with much food for thought being offered to Scotland’s healthcare pioneers.
“Earlier this year, Horizon Europe adopted new measures to save applicants time and effort. That process of simplification looks set to continue in 2026, so there has arguably never been a better time to assess the funding options and find out more.
“The workshop’s wide-ranging agenda will also touch on the UNITE — European Digital Health Valleys initiative, with Scottish Enterprise acting as a consortium partner and InnoScot Health among a diverse group of stakeholders supporting funding calls.”
The two-hour session will commence at 10.30am via Microsoft Teams and will offer a deep dive into what has been called the European Commission’s ‘flagship funding programme’ for research and innovation — and how to maximise it.
The workshop primarily aims to highlight how Horizon Europe can help Scotland deliver on ambitions to:
- Foster scientific excellence
- Support innovation
- Address societal challenges such as climate change and public health through collaborative international research
With the European Commission expected to further simplify the current iteration of Horizon Europe, this event will allow interested parties to gain a better understanding of the best approach to applying, including tips on finding partners to build consortia.
There will also be details shared on upcoming Horizon Europe calls, their strategic priorities, and expert insights into the types of funding offered to relevant projects in Scotland.
A range of attendees are invited to join, including researchers, innovators, SMEs, as well as university, public sector, and community organisations.
The event’s keynote speaker will be Jo Frost, IUK Horizon Europe’s National Contact Point for Health, who is providing an in-depth look at Horizon Europe’s opportunities.
Jo will also be highlighting IUK support available to UK applicants, alongside Dr Claire Melville, Innovation and Growth Specialist at Scottish Enterprise.
The workshop will be further joined by Dr Frank Moeschler MBE, Head of Research and Innovation for the Scottish Government in Brussels, providing opening remarks.
Shona Darcy, Entrepreneurship Lead at EIT Health Ireland–UK will be offering an overview of European Institute of Innovation and Technology – Health and related funding opportunities.
Project Manager at Scottish Enterprise, Sarah Forbes, will also be placing a focus on the UNITE digital health project and innovation funding opportunities for Scottish businesses and universities.
Expert advice at every stage
Having an innovative idea is just the beginning. To realise the full potential of that lightbulb moment and accelerate it onto the market, a range of expertise, insight, and resource is required.
InnoScot Health has 20 years’ experience of working with innovators and companies to transform ideas into viable products and services that improve patient care. Whether that be a medical device, piece of software, or medicine, our innovation pathway provides expert support at each stage.
Chat