The winners for the 2021 Bionow Annual Awards were announced at this year’s Annual Awards Dinner, which saw several companies with links to Greater Manchester amongst the winners and nominees on the night.

The event was a success in showcasing the outstanding achievements of those who have worked tirelessly over the last twelve months, and in shining a spotlight on the incredible progress that has been made during a challenging period for the healthcare and life science sectors.

Health Innovation Manchester joined partners at The Innovation Agency, Yorkshire & Humber AHSN and the AHSN North East and North Cumbria in sponsoring the Bionow Product of the Year Award.

The full list of nominees was shared ahead of the awards ceremony, which was held at The Hangar, Concorde Conference Centre on Thursday 31st March 2022. This list of nominees included several companies who have had support from Health Innovation Manchester.

Winner of the Product of the Year Award, sponsored by Health Innovation Manchester its fellow northern AHSNs was Balance App, a free menopause support application founded by Dr Louise Newson.

The app allows the user to access medically approved and evidence-based information, which can help women track symptoms, access expert content, and share stories about their experiences through menopause.

Balance App has had support through Health Innovation Manchester’s Greater Manchester Research & Innovation (R&I) Health Accelerator programme, with a focus on accelerator events, health economic support and introductions to academic partners.

ATMPS Ltd won the Tech Service of the Year Award after creating Hataali, a unique vein to vein, technical solution for the personalised medicine sector.

ATMPS Ltd have also had support through the Greater Manchester Research & Innovation (R&) Health Accelerator programme, with a focus on attending accelerator events, value proposition support, and seeking connections with advanced therapy networks in the region, as well as funding support.

Health Innovation Manchester has also provided support for Yourgene Health and Sky Medical Technology, both shortlisted for the Product of the Year Award.

Richard Deed, Associate Commercial Director – Industry at Health Innovation Manchester, said:

“Health Innovation Manchester and our fellow northern AHSNs are pleased to recognise and celebrate the achievements of innovators and companies during the last year. We hope that by providing appropriate support and access to the NHS and other markets, we can help them increase adoption of their products and grow their businesses.”

Dr Geoff Davison, CEO at Bionow, said:

“After another difficult year and one event postponement due to COVID restrictions, we are thrilled to be able to celebrate our fantastic nominees and winners in person. We are proud to be part of a sector that has risen so admirably to the challenges of the past 12 months and continues to show resilience, innovation and tenacity.”

Vicky Bertenshaw, Research Operations Manager at Health Innovation Manchester, said:

“It has been a privilege to support Balance app as part of our ERDF R&I Health Accelerator. The team is innovative, adaptable, extremely knowledgeable and responsive, whilst the app itself has truly levelled the playing field for all women in terms of access to important, concise and accurate menopause information and symptom tracking.

“I am also delighted at the success that ATMPS Ltd are achieving with their blockchain based advanced therapy platform, Hataali. Through our ERDF R&I Health Accelerator, Health Innovation Manchester have been able to introduce the company to key advanced therapy networks and individuals within the region, as well as providing guidance through our structured event series on intellectual property and NHS value propositioning. I’m excited to see where this takes them next”.