An innovator from the University of East Anglia has been named winner of the latest Health Tech Enterprise Innovation Sprint in Norwich, after impressing judges with a pioneering diagnostic test for aggressive prostate cancer.
Paul Jackson, presenting on behalf of the Cancer Genetics Team at the University of East Anglia, secured first place for the PUR Test — a diagnostic test designed to support earlier and more accurate identification of aggressive prostate cancer.
The judges selected Paul and the PUR Test team due to the significant unmet clinical need in prostate cancer diagnosis, the strength of the underlying science behind the concept, and the progress the team made in sharpening their route to clinical and commercial adoption over the course of the day. Their final pitch reflected a clear, well-evidenced and compelling case for further development.
Paul Jackson said: “It was a fantastic, fast-paced day, and a real privilege to pitch alongside so many talented innovators. The input from our advisors throughout the Sprint was invaluable in sharpening our proposition, and I’m excited about what comes next as we work with 42 Technology to take the PUR Test forward.”
As winner, Paul received an Innovation Voucher prize provided by 42 Technology, offering complimentary access to their specialist engineering and product development
expertise to help accelerate this early-stage healthcare innovation towards real-world implementation.
Sponsored by 42 Technology, the high-intensity Sprint was held at the Quadram Institute on the Norwich Research Park and brought together healthcare innovators, NHS professionals and industry experts to tackle some of the health service’s most pressing challenges. The event was open to innovators from across the Health Tech
Enterprise network, with particular involvement from Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the wider Norwich Research Park.
The event also recognised Team Neurovigilance AI — Dr Ekkehart F A Staufenberg and Saber Sami — who won the Pitch Prize for their AI-driven approach to neurological monitoring.
Designed to support NHS staff and clinical entrepreneurs developing early-stage ideas across medical devices, diagnostics and digital health technologies, the Innovation Voucher gives winners complimentary access to specialist engineering and product development expertise from 42 Technology.
The winning team will now work directly with 42 Technology’s engineering team to develop and progress the PUR Test through solutions such as ideation workshops, concept development or design reviews of existing prototypes, helping to transform their concept into a viable healthcare solution.
The Sprint programme was open to clinical entrepreneurs and early-stage healthcare innovators from NHS trusts within the Health Tech Enterprise network, who collaborated in multidisciplinary teams alongside experts in product design, regulatory compliance, funding and value proposition.
42 Technology’s Martin Murphy, who presented the Innovation Voucher on the day, said: “It’s been a pleasure to support the Health Tech Enterprise Innovation Sprint in Norwich and to present this year’s Innovation Voucher. The PUR Test addresses a genuine unmet need in prostate cancer diagnosis, and we’re looking forward to working with Paul and the team to help bridge the gap between a strong concept and a market-ready product.”
Congratulations also to everyone who took part and pitched on the day — the quality and ambition of the ideas in the room made for an outstanding event.
Want to be part of the next Sprint? Get in touch to find out more about taking part, advising or sponsoring a future event.
