The South East Health Technologies Alliance (SEHTA) has launched a UK Healthcare Innovation Hub, which will act as a meeting point for entrepreneurs, academics, researchers and policymakers to develop new and innovative healthcare concepts. 

The launch is part of its involvement with the European INNOVAge project, which aims to implement new policies for eco-independent living.

The Hub is one of 14 'InnoHubs' being launched across Europe and aims to develop new and innovative products and services, which will enable elderly individuals to benefit from living in smarter homes.

The UK Hub will operate to support the UK Government's '3 Million Lives' initiative to improve people's lives with chronic diseases by accelerating the telecare and telehealth services across England.

SEHTA CEO David Parry said individuals are increasingly suffering with long-term conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.

"The purpose of the UK Innovation Hub is to act as a catalyst for bringing together people with the common interest of helping elderly people to live independently, rather than spending unnecessary time in hospital or homes." Parry added.

As part of UK smart metering programme , SEHTA will also examine the possibility of setting up 53 million smart meters in homes and businesses.

The smart meter collects information on utility usage and displays it locally and also transmits the data to utility companies.

SEHTA's role in running the UK Innovation Hub includes enhancing cooperation between industry, government, academic and research institutions; seeking, receiving, analysing, interpreting and disseminating information and knowledge related to EU and other funding opportunities through the INNOVAge web portal.

The company will also support the regional innovation strategy in healthcare.