West Yorkshire Combined Authority has set out plans for a health and digital technology Investment Zone, intended to strengthen research, business growth and the development of new medical technologies.
The programme was outlined on 8 March 2024 after government approval of the initial Investment Zone proposal. It was backed by a ten-year funding commitment of up to £160 million, with the first five-year period intended to support a mixture of research activity, development sites and business assistance.
The Investment Zone brings together universities, hospitals and companies across the region. Its focus includes health technology, life sciences and digital products that could improve patient care while creating opportunities for businesses.
Regional partners anticipated that the initial programme could attract more than £220 million of public and private investment and support over 2,500 skilled jobs. These estimates describe potential benefits, not results already delivered.
The announcement established the direction of West Yorkshire's Investment Zone, with subsequent funding decisions needed to move individual schemes into operation.