UK innovation digest: Cyberattacks, NHS data wars and a gym for the longevity age

The supermarket hack that left France with a mountain of waste

Last Sunday night, France’s retail sector suffered what cybersecurity officials called a “bizarre and unprecedented” attack. Hackers remotely overrode the digital thermostats of thousands of supermarket freezers, fridges and chiller cabinets, pushing temperatures from -27°C to over 50°C in a matter of hours. The result: a nationwide wave of food spoilage, with some stores reporting entire aisles of dairy, meat and frozen goods cooked beyond salvage. French authorities have not yet identified the perpetrators, but speculation ranges from state-sponsored sabotage to young hackers testing their skills. What makes the incident particularly alarming is its precision—targeting not payment systems or customer data, but the very infrastructure that keeps food safe.

For UK retailers, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in an increasingly connected supply chain. While British supermarkets have not yet reported similar breaches, the incident has prompted calls for tighter regulations on IoT devices in food storage. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has not commented on whether it plans to issue new guidelines, but industry insiders suggest that mandatory firmware updates and stricter access controls could soon become standard.

Palantir’s NHS data platform: A £330m gamble that many trusts are rejecting

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is facing a growing revolt over its £330m federated data platform (FDP), developed by the controversial US firm Palantir. According to freedom of information requests obtained by The Guardian, multiple NHS trusts across England are either declining to use the system or reverting to older platforms after trials. In Suffolk, one trust stated that existing systems “supercede” the FDP’s functionality, while Greater Manchester’s care board called the platform’s benefits “marginal” compared to its cost.

The FDP was designed to streamline patient data management, improve waiting list tracking and optimise surgery scheduling. Some trusts, such as those in Gateshead, have praised its efficiency gains. But the backlash highlights a broader tension: the NHS’s reliance on private tech firms for critical infrastructure, and the lack of transparency around how patient data is handled. Palantir, which has faced criticism in the past for its work with US intelligence agencies, has not responded to requests for comment on the trusts’ decisions.

The dispute comes at a time when public trust in NHS data handling is already fragile. Earlier this year, a report by the UK’s data watchdog found that nearly half of Britons were uncomfortable with their health records being shared with private companies, even for research purposes. With the FDP’s future now in question, the NHS may need to rethink its approach to digital transformation—or risk further fragmentation in its data systems.

Mark Wahlberg’s longevity gym: A budget-friendly challenge to Silicon Valley’s elite

Hollywood actor and entrepreneur Mark Wahlberg is entering the longevity market with a new gym concept that promises to democratise access to high-end health tech. Unlike the luxury clinics favoured by Silicon Valley’s elite—where a single blood panel can cost thousands—Wahlberg’s venture will offer cold plunges, metabolic testing and personalised nutrition plans at a fraction of the price. The first location is set to open in Los Angeles next month, with plans for a UK rollout in 2027.

The move reflects a growing trend: the commodification of longevity science. Until recently, anti-ageing treatments were the preserve of the ultra-wealthy, with clinics charging six-figure sums for experimental therapies. Wahlberg’s gym, however, is positioning itself as a middle-market alternative, targeting professionals who want to extend their healthspan without breaking the bank. The model is simple: membership fees will cover access to basic services, while premium add-ons—such as continuous glucose monitoring or epigenetic testing—will be available for an extra cost.

Critics argue that the gym’s affordability claims may be overstated. While Wahlberg has not yet revealed pricing details, industry analysts suggest that even a “budget” longevity package could run to several hundred pounds per month. Nevertheless, the venture signals a shift in how health tech is marketed—from niche luxury to mass-market wellness. For the UK, where public health services are already stretched, the rise of such models could further blur the line between healthcare and consumerism.

What to watch

The cyberattack on France’s supermarkets has reignited debates about the security of IoT devices in critical infrastructure. With the UK’s Online Safety Act now in force, regulators may soon turn their attention to the retail sector, where outdated systems and lax security protocols remain widespread.

Meanwhile, the NHS’s data platform saga underscores the challenges of outsourcing public health infrastructure to private firms. As trusts weigh the costs and benefits of Palantir’s system, the government faces pressure to clarify its long-term digital strategy—or risk a patchwork of incompatible technologies across the NHS.

Finally, Wahlberg’s gym venture highlights the growing intersection of celebrity, health tech and consumer culture. As longevity science moves from labs to storefronts, the UK’s regulatory framework will need to adapt—balancing innovation with safeguards against unproven treatments. For now, one thing is clear: the business of living longer is no longer just for the rich.