The Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) has launched a Dragon's Den-style scheme that will allow innovators to pitch new technology and service ideas directly to pharmacy owners and healthcare leaders.
The initiative will focus on ideas relating to digital health, technology and AI, patient support and clinical services, new care pathways, automation and supply chain solutions, sustainability and other areas of community healthcare innovation.
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Participants will receive feedback, mentoring or potential investment from pharmacy owners and healthcare business leaders.
They could also be considered for the Innovation of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year categories at the IPA Awards Gala Event in 2026.
According to Dr Leyla Hannbeck, IPA chief executive and executive chair, the ‘dragons’ are community pharmacy owners and decision makers who, ‘in the main, own several pharmacy branches’, with ‘the vast majority’ coming from ‘large pharmacy groups’.
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She explained: ‘They are members of IPA and are some of the most forward-thinking successful pharmacy entrepreneurs in the country. Other Dragons include healthcare business leaders and investors.’
The first Dragon's Den-style event will be held at the end of January, with applicants making successful pitches then proceeding to the next level of talks.
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'We are looking forward to this project because this will allow innovative entrepreneurs to come forward and be heard, and it will also allow our members/dragons to partner with innovative businesses/projects and also diversify their business if they choose to invest,' Dr Hannbeck said.
The IPA recently announced changes to its leadership team, with chief executive Dr Leyla Hannbeck taking on the role of executive chair.
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