M1.0 - participant experience
Case Study: Momentum One Zero – participant experience
The Insight Exchange programme gave Harshal Patil, Business Development Manager- Health at Momentum One Zero (M1.0), the chance to deepen his understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, gain fresh perspectives on patient-centred approaches, and build connections with peers at the Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC). For Harshal, coming from a life sciences and consulting background, the programme offered an invaluable bridge into the language, priorities, and realities of healthcare delivery.
About Momentum One Zero
Momentum One Zero is a global innovation centre based at Queen’s University Belfast, bringing together industry, academia, and engineering expertise to drive digital transformation across sectors. Harshal looks after the Digital Health and Life Sciences sector, helping businesses tackle challenges and develop solutions through research and innovation in advanced digital technologies.
Why Harshal Participated
Harshal’s professional experience spans pharma-biotech consulting and the molecular biology research , but the healthcare system was a new environment. His motivations included:
Gaining insight into how clinicians, patients, and healthcare services operate.
Exploring how medicines optimisation intersects with digital health innovation.
Building a peer relationship with colleagues at MOIC.
Identifying opportunities for future collaboration between M1.0 and healthcare partners.
“I’m technically aware of how things work in pharma & biotech industry, but healthcare was completely new for me. Clinicians speak a very different language. I needed to understand their perspective and how the healthcare system operates.” - Harshal
Programme Highlights
Harshal’s host was Anita Hogg, Head of MOIC. Together, they planned three meetings:
Introductory meeting – to set objectives, exchange backgrounds, and introduce MOIC’s patient-centred approach to medicines use.
Attending a cross-border policy event – at the event, MOIC and the Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build on existing relationships and enable further collaboration to improve health outcomes across the island of Ireland. This gave Harshal first-hand exposure to policy, practice, and digital innovation in a healthcare setting.
Follow-up discussion – a detailed session with MOIC’s leadership to exchange insights, share M1.0’s pilot studies, and explore future opportunities.
Benefits and Impact
Through the exchange, Harshal:
Gained a new perspective – applying his experience in industry and life sciences to better understand healthcare delivery.
Learned the importance of patient involvement – recognising that successful digital health innovation depends on patient perspectives as much as on clinical or technical expertise.
Built connections – establishing relationships with MOIC and others in the healthcare sector.
Identified collaboration opportunities – with conversations continuing and follow-up discussion planned.
Wider Impact
Looking ahead, Harshal would welcome the chance to participate in the programme again, the experience reinforced for him how valuable cross-sector collaboration is. Connecting with people across innovation centres, healthcare, and policy, can help build stronger partnerships, support businesses, improve patient outcomes, and grow the health and life sciences economy in Northern Ireland.
“These kinds of exchanges give people an understanding of what other organisations are doing and make useful connections for bigger collaborative projects. That’s good for healthcare, good for business, and good for the wider economy.” - Harshal