How UK Tech Startups Can Supply the NHS: Insights from the 10-Year Plan

NHS 10 Year Plan

The NHS is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in its history. For tech startups, this represents a huge opportunity — but success depends on understanding how the NHS buys innovation and aligning with the NHS' strategic goals.

What is the NHS 10-Year Plan?

The NHS 10-Year Plan sets out clear priorities:
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• moving care into communities,
• embracing digital innovation, and
• focusing on outcomes rather than activity.​

​Achieving these goals requires not only investment but also careful implementation at local levels via Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).

​For suppliers, this means understanding both the national strategy and local decision-making structures.

The NHS procurement landscape is evolving with some clear trends:

• Digital-first solutions: Products that are interoperable, scalable, and support NHS systems are prioritised.
• Local purchasing decisions: ICSs and individual NHS Trusts increasingly make procurement decisions locally, creating opportunities beyond national tenders.
• Value and outcomes matter: Suppliers must demonstrate how their solution delivers measurable improvements in patient care, efficiency, or cost savings.
• Innovation funding is available: NHS organisations are required to allocate a portion of budgets (around 3% annually) to service transformation and digital innovation.

Tips when selling to the NHS

​The NHS faces rising demand, workforce shortages, and urgent digital transformation needs.

Tech Startups that can deliver practical, measurable, and scalable innovation are well-positioned to succeed.

Aligning with the 10-Year Plan and demonstrating real-world impact can position your company as a trusted partner, not just another supplier.

Key Takeaways for Suppliers

• Align solutions with digital, community, and outcome-focused priorities.
• Use NHS procurement language in proposals to signal understanding of strategic goals.
• Demonstrate evidence-based impact, scalability, and integration readiness.

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By following these principles, tech startups can navigate the NHS procurement process more effectively and contribute to the future of UK healthcare innovation.

About the Author

Naomi Clews

Naomi Clews is an NHS Procurement Consultant with over 20 years of NHS Procurement experience. Find out more here.