ORION INNOVATION HUB
ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND OUTCOMES NEXUS
The ORION Innovation Hub is the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital’s gateway for musculoskeletal (MSK) and orthopaedic innovation. We bring together world-leading clinical expertise, unique research infrastructure, and a powerful regional ecosystem to help partners develop, test, and scale the next generation of healthcare solutions. Whether you are a medtech company, academic researcher, NHS partner, or innovator, ORION provides a clear, structured route into one of the UK’s most specialised clinical environments.
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Over 23,000 bone tumour specimens in the world’s largest frozen tissue archive
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The Dubrowsky Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, advancing translational science
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The Birmingham Implant Retrievals Centre (BIRC), delivering deep insight into implant performance and failure
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High-volume specialist surgery, including complex and revision procedures
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Strong partnerships with the University of Birmingham, Aston Medical School, and regional NHS organisations
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A gateway to innovation and partnership with the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
About ORION
ORION acts as a single point of access, a front door to ROH, making it simple for partners to engage with our clinical, research, and operational teams. We provide a structured, transparent pathway from initial enquiry through to collaboration, evaluation, and adoption.
ORION specialises in innovation across the musculoskeletal pathway, including:
- Orthopaedic implants and device technology
- Surgical robotics and advanced theatre systems
- Regenerative medicine and biologics
- Rehabilitation and recovery technologies
- Digital diagnostics and AI-supported decision-making
Our focus is deliberate: deep specialism enables faster validation, better evidence, and more meaningful impact.
We support industry collaboration, working with medtech and digital health companies to:
- Test and validate technologies in a specialist clinical environment
- Generate real-world evidence for regulatory and market access
- Conduct structured clinical evaluations and pilots
- Access expert clinical insight to refine and improve products
ORION bridges the gap between discovery and deployment by:
- Connecting laboratory research to clinical trials and real-world application
- Supporting commercialisation pathways
- Enabling collaboration with academic and NHS partners
ROH is a national leader in generating real-world evidence in orthopaedics. Through the Birmingham Implant Retrievals Centre and our clinical datasets, ORION offers:
- Post-market surveillance and device performance insights
- Root cause analysis of implant failure
- Outcomes data linked to clinical practice
- Bespoke analytical services for industry partners
This creates a uniquely credible environment for evidence generation, regulatory support, and product development.
Surgical robotics and advanced theatre systems
We provide a high-volume, specialist environment to evaluate robotic-assisted surgery and next-generation theatre technologies in real clinical settings. Work alongside expert surgical teams to generate the evidence needed to prove precision, efficiency, and impact on patient outcomes.
Regenerative medicine and biologics
Translate cutting-edge science into viable therapies through access to advanced laboratory facilities and clinical pathways. We help bridge the gap between discovery and application, accelerating the development of biologics that can transform musculoskeletal care.
Orthopaedic implants and device technology
From concept to clinical reality, we support the development and validation of next-generation orthopaedic implants and devices. Access real-world performance insight, retrieval analysis, and specialist surgical expertise to refine products where it matters most; inside the patient.
Rehabilitation and recovery technologies
Innovations in recovery are critical to outcomes. We help test and validate technologies that support patients beyond surgery. From digital rehab tools to assistive devices, we generate the evidence needed to improve function, reduce complications, and speed return to daily life.
Digital diagnostics and AI-supported decision-making
Unlock the potential of data-driven care through access to rich clinical datasets and specialist expertise. We support the development and validation of AI and digital tools that enhance diagnosis, optimise decision-making, and deliver measurable improvements in patient outcomes.
“We created ORION to remove the barriers that too often slow innovation in healthcare. By connecting industry, academia, and frontline clinicians, we can accelerate the journey from idea to impact, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients at scale.”
Professor Adrian Gardner
Let's build a partnership...
The future of musculoskeletal care will be shaped through collaboration. ORION connects industry, academia, and the NHS to create a powerful environment for developing and delivering innovation that works in practice. Whether you’re at an early stage or ready to scale, we can help you navigate the pathway from idea to impact. Get in touch to explore partnership opportunities.
London, UK
ORION Innovation Hub
The Knowledge Hub
The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
Bristol Road South
Birmingham
B31 2AP
0121 685 4000