Meet the Pitchfest Judges
The Digital Health Rewired Pitchfest conference, taking place at The NEC in Birmingham, 18-19 March 2025 invites start-ups to compete for the Pitchfest Start-Up title, presenting ideas to NHS leaders and investors.
There will be an expert judging panel, from innovation leaders to senior investment managers – and they have just been announced. Read about them below:
Jon Hoeksma, CEO, Digital Health Intelligence: Jon is the founder and CEO of Digital Health, a B2B news, research, and events publisher. He co-founded eHealth Insider and led its sale to Informa Plc. Key achievements include founding the UK CCIO movement, developing Digital Health Networks, and launching Digital Health Rewired, AI and Data, and Summer Schools.
Chris Chaney, Chief Executive, CW+: Chris, CEO of CW+ since July 2016 and a Trust board member, leads fundraising for new facilities and the arts and health program. He heads CW Innovation, a partnership identifying and implementing health innovations to improve patient care within the Trust and across the NHS.
Chris Sawyer, Innovation Lead – Digital Health: Chris develops programs to support the UK Digital Health sector. With over 30 years in commercial and development roles in the Medical Technology Industry and the NHS, he brings extensive experience to his current role.
Megan Morys-Carter, Director of Innovation, The Hill: Megan runs TheHill digital innovation catalyst and oversees its Market Access Accelerator program. An expert in entrepreneurship, she also sits on the Board of The Oxford Trust, promoting enterprise, innovation, science education, and public engagement.
John Lee Allen, Managing Partner, Ryse Asset Management: John, a venture capital investor, has a diverse background as a clinical engineer, neuroscientist, technology entrepreneur, and physician. He developed an implantable medical device at Oxford and, as Managing Partner of a top European healthtech investor, drives global innovation with Novartis, Medtronic, and the NHS.
Sara Nelson, Programme Director, Digital Health London: Sara, with over 30 years in the NHS, has served in clinical and management roles. At Guy’s and St Thomas,’ she supported digital transformation, and as Deputy Chief Nursing Information Officer at NHS England, led strategy, education, and innovation. She is passionate about advancing healthcare technology for patients and professionals.
Maria Burpee, Marketing Artisan & Growth Consultant: Maria is a marketing expert and top consultant specialising in healthcare. She delivers results, accelerates growth, and captures mindshare for startups and scaleups. She coaches, advises, and helps grow leading health tech and med tech organisations across Europe and beyond, in both B2B and B2C sectors.
Mindy Simon, Co-Director, NHS Innovation Accelerator: Mindy oversees program execution and guides innovators. Since 2013, she has held senior roles in health and life sciences, including at UCLPartners and prestigious institutions like Oxford and King’s College. She supports innovators in overcoming NHS challenges and scaling health innovations.
Gabby Morgan, Senior Investment Manager, The Conduit Connect: Gabrielle invests in Seed-Series A+ deals in climate, healthcare, education, and inclusion. Passionate about mental health and women’s healthcare, she advises Thalamos and Virtue Health. Gabby also fundraises, mentors at Carbon13, and has a strong impact-investing network. She holds an MBA from Oxford.
Don’t miss the chance to showcase your product or solution to the confirmed Pitchfest judges and apply below to meet them yourself.
