A spinout company from the University of Manchester, named KOKU Health, has been awarded the title of Product of the Year at the 2026 BioNow Awards. This recognition highlights the company’s innovative approach to helping older individuals enhance their balance, strength, and overall independence. The awards celebrate achievements within the life sciences sector across Northern England, acknowledging contributions that drive significant advancements in healthcare and scientific innovation.
The accolade was accepted by Professor Emma Stanmore, the CEO of KOKU Health, during a ceremony held at the Concorde Conference Centre in Greater Manchester last week. KOKU, which stands for Keep-On-Keep-Up, is a downloadable health platform approved by the NHS. It is designed to be utilized in various settings, including NHS programmes, care homes, and by older adults in their own residences. The platform focuses on enhancing strength and balance while simultaneously reducing the risk of falls, a major concern for older populations.
Research indicates that KOKU effectively mitigates functional decline and lowers the likelihood of falls, thereby helping older adults maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. This is particularly crucial as falls are one of the leading causes of injury and hospital admissions among older individuals, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems in the UK and worldwide.
KOKU Health combines clinically validated exercise programmes with engaging digital features, facilitating safe participation in strength and balance training from the comfort of home. The platform tailors exercises to the individual abilities of users, allowing them to progress at their own pace while staying motivated through game-like elements. Healthcare providers can leverage KOKU to support preventative care strategies aimed at enhancing mobility, strength, and confidence in ageing populations.
The 2026 BioNow Awards saw a record participation, with 149 applications from 86 organizations, underscoring the robust innovation landscape in the region. Professor Emma Stanmore, who leads the Gerontology and Healthy Ageing Research Group at the University of Manchester’s School of Health Sciences, expressed pride in the recognition.
“This award is a fantastic recognition of the work our team has done to create a solution that genuinely improves people’s lives,” she stated. “Our goal has always been to help older adults stay stronger, safer, and more independent for longer, and we are incredibly proud to see KOKU recognised for the positive impact it is already making. Winning Product of the Year highlights the growing importance of digital health technologies that combine clinical evidence with scalable solutions capable of reaching large patient populations.”
KOKU Health continues to expand its partnerships with healthcare providers and organizations focused on healthy ageing, responding to the increasing demand for digital tools that support preventative care and long-term wellbeing.
Bionow, the organization behind the awards, plays a vital role in supporting and connecting companies, universities, and professionals in the life sciences and biotech sectors across Northern England. It provides essential networking, events, industry advocacy, and business support to foster the growth of the regional life sciences ecosystem.
