Maximizing The Tailwind From BioWales 2026

Gwyn Tudor, head of the MediWales forum, lays out the challenges, opportunities and funding on offer for healthtech founders who make Wales part of their strategic plan.

For healthtech companies looking to move from start-up to manufacturing and scale-up, Wales can be an attractive location, with its quality manufacturing facilities, expertise and often lower costs than in other parts of the UK.

That was one of the messages from Gwyn Tudor, chief executive of the Cardiff-based MediWales forum, “the independent life sciences network for Wales”, as he opened the BioWales in London 2026 conference and exhibition.

Interviewed by In Vivo for his take on the current commercial and innovation climate for healthtech companies considering operations in Wales, he said that adoption of new technologies by NHS Wales can be just as much of a challenge as in England.

He added that NHS Wales is an accessible partner and there is “always a conversation to be had in Wales about new technology and innovation.” Companies can access potential partners, supply chains and peer support through MediWales and events like MediWales Connects.

Tudor said: “Building relationships to reduce friction and move projects faster by helping people work together in a less transactional, more relationship-based approach is a clear characteristic of Wales.”

Its life sciences ecosystem of 288 companies, 12,000 employees and annual sales output of £2.5bn sales value from medtech, diagnostics, wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy is relatively small on an international scale.

But it punches above its weight in medtech and diagnostics, Tudor told delegates at the bustling BioWales event, explaining in this In Vivo podcast his goal of “keeping all life sciences stakeholders in the room to come up with solutions.” That includes the healthcare provider, he said.