Dr. Samana Brannigan

Samana Brannigan has over 20 years' experience driving innovation-led economic growth by supporting businesses to develop, commercialise and scale new technologies. As Head of Health Technologies at Innovate UK, she leads activities spanning medtech, diagnostics, emerging technologies, and data and digital health. She oversees the flagship Biomedical Catalyst programme, supporting innovative businesses to accelerate commercialisation and attract private investment. Prior to joining Innovate UK, Samana worked at Invest Northern Ireland, where she managed strategic innovation programmes supporting start-ups, SMEs, and multinational companies through access to funding, infrastructure, skills development, and international growth opportunities.