Who we are

What is Contracts for Innovation?

Contract for Innovation (formally known as SBRI) funds the Research and Development of new exciting, innovative solutions to address unmet needs within health where no readily available market solution exists.

Lynda Jones

Head of Challenge Led Innovation

Lynda leads the team driving its success from inception. With over 18 years in the NHS and a Master’s in Project Management, she is a PRINCE2-qualified Informatics Project Manager. Lynda is passionate about fostering innovation to improve public sector outcomes in Wales.

Sharon Smith

Deputy Head of Challenge Led Innovation

Experienced in healthcare and innovation, Sharon is skilled in strategic planning, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement, she drives impactful healthcare solutions and continuous improvement across sectors.

Kate Williams

Innovation Programme Manager

Kate, Programme Manager at the SBRI Centre of Excellence, has 15+ years' public sector experience in Wales. She focuses on enabling challenge-led collaborative innovation and supporting purpose-driven procurement through Contracts for Innovation. Previously, Kate led the SBRI Accelerator Programme within Welsh Government, driving cross-sector innovation across Wales.

Phil Coles

Chief Clinical Innovation Lead

Phil is an experienced Consultant Anaesthetist with expertise in anaesthesia, quality improvement, leadership, innovation, medical education, genomics, informatics, and patient safety. He is dedicated to embedding QI and innovation into healthcare transformation, promoting the growth of a sustainable, safe, and efficient healthcare service.

Kiran Jagpal

Senior Innovation Project Manager

Kiran, with a background in manufacturing and importing, applies private sector expertise to healthcare innovation. Working closely with clinical professionals and businesses, she guides projects from concept to execution, focusing on enhancing patient care and supporting sustainable growth through practical, impactful solutions.

Senthil Muthukumar

Innovation Project Manager

Senthil brings 17 years of NHS experience, specializing in digital transformation initiatives. With a master's in business administration and certification as a Change Management Practitioner, he excels in delivering complex projects. A PRINCE2-certified professional, Senthil is skilled in strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, fostering continuous improvements in healthcare outcomes.

Susan Marszalek

Innovation Project Manager

Sue joined the team in September 2024, managing Non-Health Innovation Challenges, including the Ammonia in Agriculture and Agri-Food Technology Challenges. With 20+ years in the NHS and a background in Agile Project Management, she is passionate about driving innovative, sustainable solutions for Wales' public sector.

Alison Smith

Innovation Business Analyst

Ali has over five years' experience in driving innovative healthcare solutions. With an NHS background and a Master's in Healthcare Leadership, she leads benefits and evaluation management, ensuring SBRI projects deliver tangible value and measurable outcomes.

Joy Browning

Innovation Partnership Manager

Joy brings 20+ years’ experience in the private and public sectors. She develops health and care transformation partnerships, collaborating with health, social care, and industry to address unmet needs and align challenges with Welsh Government Policy, promoting innovation funding.

Faye Williams

Assistant Innovation Project Manager

Faye has been with the team since 2019, progressing from a legal background to managing successful innovation projects. She enjoys collaborating with businesses to deliver impactful innovation, valuing the potential to improve outcomes for patients and staff through unique, meaningful projects.

Anya Palmer

Innovation Support Officer

Anya has a background in NHS patient-facing roles and hospitality. She thrives in dynamic environments, supporting day-to-day operations and contributing to impactful projects aimed at improving outcomes for the people of Wales.

Ffion Owen

Innovation Support Officer

Ffi joined the team in May 2023, contributing to project support and central functions. Previously, she worked as a Project Officer on the NHS NNCP COVID-19 Programme. Ffi is passionate about driving innovation that creates lasting, positive change for Wales.

Success Stories

Find out more about some of our exciting success stories and how they are transforming lives.