Innovating for Impact is being held at The Conduit, Covent Garden, on Tuesday 7 October 2025 to showcase how new ideas and technologies are closing the global gap in access to safe surgery. The evening opens with a screening of Beyond the Code, a short film produced by BBC StoryWorks. The film highlights a collaboration between cleft lip and palate charity Operation Smile and Microsoft’s AI for Good programme. It shows how artificial intelligence is streamlining the evaluation of cleft patients by applying AI to medical images. By harnessing AI technology clinicians can assess children more quickly and consistently, enabling more timely surgical planning and safe care. This technology has the potential to transform cleft treatment worldwide, particularly in regions of the world with limited access to specialised medical care.
Five billion people around the world currently lack access to safe, affordable surgical care. This means that many thousands of children born with treatable conditions like cleft lip or cleft palate are often unable to get the specialist care they need. Cleft conditions affect the formation of the upper lip and the roof of the mouth while a baby is developing in the womb. Without surgery, children with cleft face difficulties eating, speaking and breathing, as well as social stigma and isolation. Operation Smile has been working for more than 40 years to change this reality, providing free cleft surgery and comprehensive care to patients who would otherwise go untreated. With programmes in over 30 countries, the charity is also committed to training local medical professionals and strengthening health systems to ensure long-term, sustainable change.
After the film screening, a panel of speakers will share their perspectives on innovation and global health.
- Dr Caroline Yao, Plastic Surgeon and Senior Vice President of Research and Patient Metrics at Operation Smile, has been at the forefront of integrating AI into cleft care. She will speak about the charity’s partnership with Microsoft and how new approaches are helping to reduce barriers to treatment.
- Golda Fania, Founder and Executive Director of MAWA Health Ltd, brings her experience in digital health policy, governance and systems strengthening, with a focus on diaspora engagement and Nordic–Africa health initiatives.
- Ricardo Martin, Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson MedTech UK and Ireland, will share an industry perspective on the role of medical technology and corporate partnerships in improving patient outcomes.
The discussion will be hosted by Astrid Sundberg, Executive Director of Operation Smile Norway. Astrid is an advocate for sustainable healthcare programmes and will guide the conversation towards how innovation and collaboration can create lasting impact. Guests will then be invited to put their questions directly to the panel, followed by a drinks reception with the opportunity to meet the speakers and network with fellow attendees.
Mairéad O’Callaghan, Executive Director at Operation Smile UK, said: “Innovating for Impact is about more than technology. It is about showing what can happen when compassion, expertise and innovation come together. The stories we are sharing at this event demonstrate that change is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances we can partner to find solutions. Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and confident, and with the support of our partners and volunteers we are working to make that a reality.”
Astrid Sundberg added: “Operation Smile has always been about partnership, and this event reflects that spirit. Whether it is surgeons volunteering their skills, companies sharing resources, or communities welcoming us into their hospitals, every contribution makes a difference. Innovating for Impact is a chance to celebrate these efforts and to look ahead to the new solutions that will shape the future of healthcare.”
The event is being held in partnership with The Conduit, a private members club committed to building a fairer, more sustainable world. Its Solutions Agenda brings together thought leaders around themes such as Health Systems and AI for Good, making it a natural partner for Operation Smile’s work. By joining forces, both organisations hope to spark meaningful conversations and inspire new collaborations.
Around 185 people are expected to attend, including medical volunteers, supporters, corporate partners, and members of The Conduit.
For more information and for tickets, click here.
