Help shape the future of paediatric medtech

Last Updated on 13/04/2026 by Sarah Sarsby

BHTA members are invited to contribute to a new industry survey exploring the barriers to developing health technologies for children.

According to the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Paediatrics and Child Health and Innovate UK Business Connect, medical technology continues to transform adult healthcare. However, progress within paediatric healthcare has not kept pace.

Despite children representing around 20 percent of the UK population, relatively few technologies are designed specifically for paediatric use. This highlights a wider, systemic challenge across the sector.

To better understand these issues, a short, confidential survey has been launched for organisations working in medical technology and health innovation.

The survey asks whether organisations have considered entering the child health sector and invites respondents to rate key barriers, including regulatory requirements, funding availability, clinical trial complexity, and access to paediatric expertise. It also explores challenges such as scaling technologies, co-designing with children and young people, and the commercial viability of the sector.

Insights gathered will help inform engagement with policymakers, investors, and industry partners, supporting future strategy for paediatric health innovation.

The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete and is open to all medtech organisations. Responses will be treated confidentially and anonymised in any published outputs.

A summary of findings is expected in summer 2026, followed by a programme of events to address the most commonly reported barriers.

The BHTA encourages its members to take part and share their expertise to help shape a more inclusive healthcare technology landscape.

Complete the survey here.

Deadline: 15 April 2026