From Scottish innovation to global impact

The MyWay app gives patients practical tools to manage their health, offering personalised prompts, educational resources, and screening test reminders. Users can access their health data, integrate remote monitoring devices, and receive alerts when parameters fall outside safe ranges.

Based on the data-driven elements available, the MyWay app was created in the mid to late 2000s. Dr Scott Cunningham, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer at MyWay Digital Health (MWDH), provided the technical expertise through the University of Dundee, with clinical aspects supported by Dr Wake. 

The initial version of the app in Scotland was developed and delivered non-commercially under a contract funded by the Scottish Government and administered by the University of Dundee.

MWDH is now deploying similar services outside of Scotland through commercial routes, funded by Innovate UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and Scottish Enterprise. 

Healthcare solutions with eastern promise

Today, MyWay operates internationally. NHS England adopted the system early, and the company is now involved in projects in the Middle East. 

The platform has also broadened its scope beyond diabetes. With obesity a major cause of type 2 diabetes, MyWay’s weight management features were adapted for wider use. This system now supports cardiovascular disease management, diabetes prevention, and even incorporates machine learning to predict future health risks and personalise treatment plans.

Dr Debbie Wake, says: “Our systems have changed so much over time. We've developed greater extra functionality. We can now show people their risk of complications. But more importantly, how they can reduce that so they can see the impact of losing weight, increasing activity, or stopping smoking.”

Scotland’s health tech ecosystem

MyWay’s success reflects the strength of Scotland’s health tech ecosystem. The country offers a unique environment for innovation, combining academic excellence, government support, and industry collaboration, often referred to as the “triple helix” model.

Dr David Lowe, Clinical Lead for Health Innovation with the Scottish Government says: “That triple helix is a really important in how we take these technologies to benefit Scottish patients to drive economic growth, and to access worldwide markets.” 

Scotland’s small size but high level of expertise offers a highly efficient test bed to develop health innovations across diverse environments, from cities to remote communities. The country’s regional innovation hubs are central to driving advances.  
 
In Scotland, start-ups have the opportunity for entrepreneurial exposure and working alongside industry experts. Teams can understand the business aspects of their projects, further their learning and qualifications, and benefit from insights provided by health practises and clinicians.  

Founded in Scotland, PneumoWave provides devices that measure chest movements for patients at risk of sudden death from conditions such as opioid addiction or epilepsy. The company now has two offices in the US. 

AI accelerator to improve digital tech  

Underpinning all these strengths is the support from governments, funding, and programmes such as the AI accelerator through the University of Edinburgh, as well as Techscaler for startup development. 

Scotland’s commitment to digital health innovation is clear. By harnessing data, technology, and collaboration, the country is addressing the urgent challenge of diabetes and pioneering solutions that tackle other chronic conditions. As MyWay and other Scottish companies expand internationally, they showcase the potential of healthtech to transform care worldwide.

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