2025 Evidence Generation Bootcamp Equips Innovators for Evidence-Based HealthTech
Published: 6 October 2025
The DHVL Evidence Generation Bootcamp on the 1st and 2nd of October brought together HealthTech innovators for two days of practical learning on how robust evidence underpins safe, effective, and equitable innovation.
The DHVL Evidence Generation Bootcamp on the 1st and 2nd of October brought together HealthTech innovators for two days of practical learning on how robust evidence underpins safe, effective, and equitable innovation.
Day 1 focused on the early-stage essentials of shaping HealthTech solutions — from PPIE and concept testing to economic modelling, simulation, and technical feasibility.
A highlight of the morning was Don McIntyre’s session on design innovation, which showcased how design thinking powers every stage of the HealthTech journey. His key reminders for innovators included:
- Start with people – real needs beat “interesting” problems
- Imagine the future, then work back to today’s constraints
- Explore implementation early – prototype, test, learn
- Balance instinct with evidence, and communicate clearly across clinical, technical, regulatory, and commercial audiences
Participants also heard from Dr Chris McParland and DHVL public contributor Janice, whose reflections reinforced the importance of PPIE in making innovation visible, relevant, and meaningful to the public. Janice’s optimism and enthusiasm for shaping solutions people can actually use were a highlight of the day.
The afternoon sessions delved into Accessing Electronic Health Record (EHR) Data with Dr Alison Hamilton (NHS GGC) and DHVL's own Dr Dervla Carroll, followed by Planning NHS Prospective Studies with Dr Katriona Brooksbank from West of Scotland Innovation Hub.
Day 2 opened with practical insights into medical device regulation from Peter Bannister from Romilly Life Sciences and Adam Isaacs Rae from The Other Consultants. Both speakers emphasised that regulation isn’t just red tape — it’s about evidence, quality, and strategy, and can drive innovation when approached proactively.
Sessions on health economics and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) followed, led by Professor Olivia Wu FRSE and Professor Neil Hawkins. Professor Wu outlined the good, the bad, and the ugly of evidence generation for health technologies, sharing key takeaways for good practice:
- Plan proactively rather than reactively
- Choose fit-for-purpose study designs
- Generate high-quality, transparent evidence
- Ensure evidence is actionable for decision-making
The bootcamp concluded with sessions on procurement, routes to market, and investor readiness, equipping participants with a clear roadmap for moving from innovation to implementation.
DHVL would like to thank all expert speakers and enthusiastic participants for making this year’s Evidence Generation Bootcamp a success — and for helping to strengthen the evidence base that supports the safe and effective adoption of new HealthTech across the NHS.
Looking ahead, we are excited to build on the success of this event and continue offering opportunities to inspire and support HealthTech innovators. Keep an eye out for updates on future bootcamps and events or join the Living Laboratory's mailing list to stay informed.
First published: 6 October 2025
