Government publishes new Neighbourhood Health Framework
The document outlines the Government’s ambitions for the new Neighbourhood Health Service across the next few years, how the service will be delivered, and how the NHS will change to facilitate this pivot.
Headlines
BIVDA spearheads government trade mission to China
BIVDA Board Member and Treasurer Jag Grewal visited China to represent our organisation at CACLP, one of the world’s leading exhibitions dedicated to in vitro diagnostics (IVDs).
BIVDA holds 2026 Annual General Meeting
The day provided an opportunity to reflect on BIVDA’s achievements over the past year, review our current strategy and future ambitions, and hear valuable insights from senior NHS leaders.
Membership News
Member feedback needed – Parliamentary SciTech Committee launches call for evidence on personalised medicine and AI
BIVDA will be providing a submission and would be extremely grateful if members could provide evidence and their views in order to strengthen our response. This can be sent to ben.kemp@bivda.org.uk.
Dementia Challenge Expression of Interest Launch
The closing date for the Expressions of Interest stage is Thursday 2 April at 4pm. BIVDA are organising an industry workshop for this challenge on behalf of UKRI.
Government publishes new Pandemic Preparedness Strategy
The document builds on learnings gained through the ongoing COVID Inquiry and arrives a week after the Exercise Pegasus Pandemic Preparedness sector event, which BIVDA attended.
Early Market Engagement on Health and Work Outcomes‑Based Contracting
DHSC-NHSE are exploring how government and industry can collaborate more effectively to address major public challenges through outcomes-based approaches, namely health related economic inactivity. The EMA closes on 12th April at 5pm.
BIVDA Market Audit Summary Report for 2025
The top line growth of UK IVD industry revenues of 3.9% shows recovery from the post-Covid effect with some stronger growth in specific areas.
BIVDA Chief Executive Helen Dent recognised in the Women in Trade Associations Power List 2026
The Powerlist – now in its 4th year – was established to provide a welcome opportunity to celebrate notable women working across trade associations.
BIVDA to host Bid Writing Masterclass webinar – register now
Led by Sarah Joy Newton, Director of Amethyst Connect, this session will focus on the some of the key changes in NHS tenders over recent years and what members need to be aware of in preparation for bidding in 202
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) – DEFRA Consultation Update
Defra is seeking views on proposed changes to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation, including draft legislation to prohibit 5 new POPs.
Join the exploration mission to the world’s first Digital Health City in Madrid, 11th – 13th May 2026
Joining the mission would provide the opportunity to explore an innovation campus, network with Spanish healthcare businesses and discuss collaboration proposals and scale-up support.
Power to Disrupt: Leaders in POCT Diagnostics – 5th May 2026
The overall theme will be the effective delivery of POCT services across the new healthcare landscape, as it is evolving.
Latest NIHR and Innovate UK funding opportunities – March 2026
See the latest funding opportunities here.
Study makes promising advances in accurately diagnosing sepsis
Doctors in Liverpool working with researchers at the Centre for Trials Research, at Cardiff University have identified promising evidence for the effectiveness of an early and rapid diagnostic test for sepsis.
Innovate UK announces a new approach focusing on high potential companies
The new approach aims to support the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy and centres on high potential companies and providing a holistic approach to tailored support.
BIVDA Spotlight: New England Biolabs
This week we are spotlighting BIVDA member company New England Biolabs.
Require an equipped lab in Oxford but can’t afford the set-up costs or long lease?
Nick Pumphrey is currently exploring setting up Hothouse Labs – an independent incubator lab that will be set up to support the Oxford life sciences ecosystem.
Registrations open for BSI Standards Conference 2026 – 21st May 2026
They will explore the powerful legacy of standards in shaping progress, while looking ahead to how they can continue to drive a fair society and a sustainable world for generations to come.
Entries open for HSJ Awards 2026 – submit now!
This year’s programme features 25 categories, including three new awards designed to reflect the NHS’s shifting priorities and the move towards neighbourhood care, pathway redesign, and system working
Media Monitoring: 19th March – 1st April
A round-up of the week’s best diagnostics-related news.
Member Requests
REMINDER: We encourage members to send us relevant material – including events, conferences and workshops – to share on the newsletter. Please send them to ben.kemp@bivda.org.uk.
Are you producing or preparing to produce a point-of-care test (fingerstick sample) for vitamin D, ideally quantitative? We have had a request to find members who might have a suitable test to use in an acute paediatric setting. Please send an email to Lucy.Lehane@bivda.org.uk with your info!
Member seeks R&D space in in Bath or Bristol to develop a proof of concept for an assay
If you are able to help, please email kaye.walton@bivda.org.uk.
Member seeking partnerships with tech companies creating remote digital or AI UTI tests
Forte Medical are seeking partnerships with tech companies creating remote digital or AI UTI tests, for an early dialogue around their work to flat-pack Peezy Midstream.
The product is also ready to market for HPV, STI and some early stage cancer diagnoses.
If you are a remote testing company or laboratory with urine-based diagnostic tech and want to provide hygiene and dignity as well as accuracy to your customers, please email: giovanna.forte@forte-medical.com.
Efficient and Effective Smart Bio-Affinity Reagents – an alternative to using antibodies
At the University of Central Lancashire, Professor Sub Reddy’s Group has developed a proprietary, scalable technology to custom-produce high-affinity reagents—powerful alternatives to traditional antibodies. These reagents are designed to selectively isolate proteins and viruses, an innovation they believe could have a huge impact on industries ranging from biotech to diagnostic applications.
They are currently exploring commercialisation opportunities, including spin-out and licensing options, and have launched a survey and landing page to test the market. If you’re interested in learning more, check out polymimix.com to share your feedback. If you have any questions, please email: smreddy@uclan.ac.uk
Events Diary
BIVDA Regulatory Affairs
Working Party
Date: Thursday 16th April 2026
Time: 10:30 – 1400
Register Here
BIVDA AI/Machine Learning & software as an IVD Working Party
Date: Thursday 16th March 2026
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Register Here
BIVDA Market Access and Procurement
Working Party
Date: Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Time: 10:30 – 13:30
Register Here