Professor James McLaughin
Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Ulster University
A digital health centre is advancing coronary care through a multidisciplinary, open innovation centre with associated clinical living labs in local hospital settings.
The Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (CDHT) in Belfast is uniting academia, industry and clinicians to advance coronary care through cutting-edge digital medical technologies. Backed by a £42 million investment via the UK Government’s Belfast Region City Deal and led by Ulster University, CDHT prioritises user-centric design in its innovations.
Building on a legacy in engineering, biomedical and computing sciences, CDHT has developed technologies including portable defibrillators, cardiac monitors and diagnostic systems for heart failure, leading to spin-out success. The Centre is creating a hub for innovation in diagnostics, wearables, active assisted living (AAL), healthcare IoT, implantables, AI, digital twins, Healthcare 4.0 and additive manufacturing.
Industry responds with enthusiasm
Partners such as Dell Technologies are working with CDHT on scalable, secure digital tools for a connected future in care. Local spin-out PulseAI sees the Centre as a platform for responsible, AI-powered cardiac diagnostics that bridge academic research with clinical application. CDHT also collaborates with established centres like EPSRC-PBIAA, BTIC, ARC, FMI and NIBEC.
The CDT is the ideal platform
to cultivate highly skilled
digital health researchers.
Developing future talent
Tech4Health Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) launched in January 2025 to prepare the next generation of digital health leaders. The CDT focuses on industry-led, PhD projects to develop real-time health solutions for coronary and broader health and care challenges. Through its partnership with University College London (UCL), Ulster offers tailored collaborations to meet both clinical and commercial needs.
“The CDT is the ideal platform to cultivate highly skilled digital health researchers. Our strategic partnership with UCL strengthens our shared expertise in healthcare technology,” says Professor Dewar Finlay, Co-Director, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Health Technologies Tech4Health.
Global opportunities in heart health
Professor McLaughlin, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, adds: “CDHT is well-positioned to meet growing demands in heart health by promoting co-designed, clinically integrated solutions. The Centre is actively seeking European and international collaborators, presenting strong opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) and streamlined access to UK and global healthcare markets.”
Contact us on cdht.tech for enquiries. Visit tech4health.co.uk to find out more about PhD Opportunities.
