Travel support for UK businesses to attend European events
Innovate UK has launched a travel support scheme designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK in expanding their reach into European research and development (R&D) collaborations. This initiative, set to run throughout the second half of 2024, provides funding to enable SMEs to attend key European events focused on R&D and consortia-building.
Following the UK’s renewed association with Horizon Europe, this travel support aims to bolster international collaboration by ensuring that UK businesses remain visible and active participants in European research initiatives. SMEs are the backbone of innovation, and this initiative offers them a unique opportunity to expand their networks, secure partnerships, and contribute to major collaborative projects across the continent.
The industries covered under this initiative are wide-ranging, including space technology, sustainable urban mobility, and hydrogen energy, among others. Each event offers a platform for SMEs to engage with international counterparts, forming partnerships that could lead to new research breakthroughs and technological advancements.
One of the key benefits of this program is its role in removing financial barriers for UK businesses. Travel and accommodation costs can be prohibitive, particularly for smaller enterprises. Innovate UK's travel support offers up to £700 per company to cover these costs, enabling more businesses to participate in high-impact events without the burden of additional financial strain.
This initiative is viewed as a strategic tool to ensure that UK businesses remain at the forefront of global research collaborations. As Europe’s R&D landscape continues to evolve, especially with the Horizon Europe program driving significant funding and opportunities, it’s essential that UK SMEs are not left behind. By facilitating their involvement in European consortia, this initiative helps ensure that the UK remains a leader in research and innovation.
For more information, please visit: https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/news/travel-support-now-available/
Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Initiative
The pharmaceutical industry has long been associated with high energy consumption and waste. In response, Innovate UK, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the manufacturing of medicines. This £15 million program, opening for applications with a deadline of 16th October 2024, is set to drive innovation and greener technologies across the pharmaceutical sector.
The aim of this competition is to drive innovation in sustainable medicines manufacturing across three key pillars:
• green chemistry
• circularity
• productivity and resource efficiency
Projects must also consider both critical enablers:
• regulations: how to overcome any regulatory barriers to adoption of your innovation.
• measurements, standards and data: approaches to capture data that support the measurement and reporting of sustainability indicators aligned with industry standards.
These new manufacturing innovations are expected to support more environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes with significant and measurable improvements in at least one of the following areas:
• productivity
• waste reduction
• emissions reduction
• energy use reduction
• resource efficiency
Funding must be used to invest in innovation to deliver across four key goals:
• drive disruptive and novel technologies or processes in medicines manufacturing to optimise production efficiency, minimise waste and reduce emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals
• facilitate the effective implementation of innovative solutions and promote their adoption across the medicines manufacturing sector, ensuring scalability and widespread utilisation
• enhance the UK’s attractiveness as a prime location for investment in medicines manufacturing, thereby stimulating economic growth and enhancing resilience in the sector
• strengthen the UK's manufacturing innovation ecosystem through collaborative partnerships between academia, industry, and government entities, promoting knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives to enhance sustainable manufacturing practices
Projects must also consider how to overcome any regulatory barriers to adoption of the innovation, alongside approaches to capture data that support the measurement and reporting of sustainability indicators aligned with industry standards. By fostering collaboration between researchers, innovators, and manufacturers, this initiative hopes to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that can be implemented quickly. The aim is to see tangible impact within three years of project completion, meaning that the results of these investments should be felt before the end of the decade.
Innovators interested in applying for the funding will have the opportunity to develop and commercialise technologies that can significantly transform medicine manufacturing processes while contributing to broader environmental goals.
DASA's Rapid Impact Open Call Returns
The Defence and Security Accelerator’s (DASA) Rapid Impact Open Call is back after a five-month pause, and Cycle 3 is now open for applications. This cycle seeks innovative solutions to defence challenges with a clear impact within three years of project completion. Proposals should be valued between £150,000 and £250,000 and aim to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6/7 by the project's end. The deadline for submissions is 19th November 2024.
Before applying, it's essential to contact your local innovation partner.
Competition Document
Contact your Innovation Partner
EU Research and Innovation Policy: Key Agendas for Autumn 2024
As Autumn 2024 unfolds, the European Union’s (EU) research and innovation (R&I) sector is entering a period of strategic transformation, marked by new appointments, evolving policies, and critical budgetary discussions. The upcoming months promise significant shifts that will define the future of European competitiveness, defence, and research collaboration. Here's a look at the key points on the EU’s R&I agenda.
New Research Commissioner: Expectations and Priorities
One of the most eagerly anticipated events is the appointment of a new research commissioner. This individual, set to be nominated and quizzed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the coming months, will significantly influence the EU’s R&I policies for the foreseeable future. The commissioner’s role will be pivotal in guiding the remaining years of Horizon Europe (the EU’s current research and innovation framework) and laying the groundwork for its successor, Framework Programme 10 (FP10).
There is speculation about whether the research portfolio will remain a standalone entity or be merged into a broader portfolio encompassing competitiveness, internal markets, or the economy. As stakeholders wait for the appointment, many are advocating for R&I to stay at the heart of European policy, ensuring continued focus on innovation as a driver of competitiveness.
Defence and Research: The Role of the European Defence Fund
For the first time, defence research is expected to play a more prominent role in EU R&I policy. Ursula von der Leyen, in her campaign for re-election as European Commission President, highlighted defence as a top priority. This includes bolstering the European Defence Fund (EDF), which is designed to support research and development in defence technologies. While the immediate focus remains on urgent defence needs, especially in light of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, long-term plans are also in motion to enhance European defence capabilities through R&D initiatives.
A Clean Industrial Deal: A Pathway to Green Competitiveness
Von der Leyen’s agenda also includes the introduction of a Clean Industrial Deal, which is set to accelerate green technologies across Europe. The goal is to create lead markets in industries such as clean steel and renewable energy, with a particular emphasis on simplifying processes like planning and permitting for green projects. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at positioning the EU as a global leader in sustainable industrial practices.
Although many of these plans are part of von der Leyen’s long-term vision, the Clean Industrial Deal could be instrumental in driving R&I investments in green technologies, aligning the EU’s competitiveness with its environmental goals. This initiative ties in with the broader objectives of Horizon Europe and its successor program, which continue to prioritise sustainability across R&I projects.
FP10: Shaping the Future of European Research
One of the most significant discussions in the R&I community centres around FP10, the next iteration of the EU’s flagship research funding program. An expert group has been convened to assess Horizon Europe’s progress and provide recommendations for FP10. This group, led by former Portuguese research minister Manuel Heitor, is set to deliver its findings in mid-October 2024.
FP10 will likely build on the collaborative research strengths of Horizon Europe, which has been critical in fostering partnerships across Europe. The focus is expected to remain on global challenges, such as climate change, health, and digital transformation, while also incorporating new priorities around defence and industrial competitiveness.
Challenges Ahead: Budget and Policy Debates
While the R&I community welcomes the strategic goals outlined by von der Leyen, several challenges lie ahead. One of the most contentious issues is the budget for Horizon Europe. The European Council has proposed cuts of €400 million to the program for 2025, a move that has been met with resistance from the European Parliament and the research community.
These budgetary discussions are particularly significant as the EU prepares for the next long-term budget cycle, beginning in 2028. Many are concerned that R&I funding could be reduced in favour of other priorities, such as the proposed European Competitiveness Fund. Stakeholders are advocating for a balanced approach that maintains strong support for R&I while addressing Europe’s broader economic and defence needs.
The Role of Competitiveness in Shaping R&I
Competitiveness is at the core of von der Leyen’s policy agenda. In addition to defence and green technologies, she has emphasised the need for Europe to remain competitive on the global stage. This includes fostering innovation through R&I investments, particularly in high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
A key component of this strategy is the forthcoming report by former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi, which is expected to provide a roadmap for boosting EU competitiveness. While the report’s release has been delayed, its findings are anticipated to shape much of the EU’s R&I policy going forward.
Innovate UK Women in Innovation Programme Outrage
The recent Innovate UK Women in Innovation outcome has drawn significant attention, particularly after Innovate UK's failure to deliver on its funding promises for women-led projects. The initiative, which began in 2016, aims to foster female entrepreneurship by offering financial support and mentorship. However, the most recent round of awards has been mired in controversy, as only 25 applicants were going to receive funding instead of the promised 50, sparking backlash and concerns about Innovate UK's commitment to gender equality.
Women in Innovation Background
Women in Innovation was designed to address the gender disparity in the UK's innovation sector, aiming to support women entrepreneurs and innovators with financial resources and expert mentorship. It has played a crucial role in fostering female participation in a traditionally male-dominated field. Innovate UK has been credited with increasing the representation of women innovators, noting that successful grant applications from women have risen from 1 in 7 in 2016 to 1 in 3 in recent years.
The program’s focus on creating opportunities for women to grow and scale their businesses has been widely welcomed. However, in the 2024 iteration of the program, the initiative drew significant criticism when Innovate UK announced only 25 of the originally promised 50 projects would receive funding. This decision, seen as a significant misstep, left many applicants feeling unsupported and cast doubt on the future of gender equity in UK innovation. The shortfall in funding not only affected the individual businesses hoping for support, but also raised broader questions about how resources are allocated and the priorities of public funding bodies like Innovate UK.
Innovate UK’s Response and Proposed Measures
This situation prompted Innovate UK to acknowledge their mistake. They admitted that their decision to prioritise fewer projects was wrong and issued a public apology, recognising the negative impact this had on applicants and the larger innovation community. Innovate UK also confirmed that they would fund the remaining 25 projects, thus meeting their original commitment of 50 awards with a total investment of £4 million.
In the face of mounting criticism, Innovate UK has laid out a series of measures aimed at rectifying the situation and ensuring that such mismanagement does not happen again. Their response has been characterised by transparency and an effort to rebuild trust with stakeholders. They have committed to fully funding the 50 projects as originally promised, stating that they are already in the process of contacting the additional 25 successful applicants.
To further demonstrate their commitment to supporting women in innovation, Innovate UK has promised to reach out to all applicants to provide information on additional support and resources available to them. This includes highlighting various services within the broader Innovate UK system, such as the Innovate UK Catapult Network and Business Connect, which are designed to help innovators at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.
Innovate UK has also pledged to improve its strategic engagement with business leaders and gender equality advocates to better understand the needs of women innovators and create new opportunities for them. They are working on refining their internal processes and co-creating new programs that will expand the support available to women in innovation.
Rebuilding Trust and Accountability
While Innovate UK’s quick response and admission of fault are positive steps, the scandal has emphasised the importance of accountability in public funding. There is now greater pressure on Innovate UK to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated. By reaffirming their commitment to gender equality and promising to deliver on their initial funding promises, Innovate UK is attempting to restore its credibility within the innovation community.
Moving forward, Innovate UK will need to demonstrate that it has learned from this controversy. Its plan to co-create opportunities with business leaders and advocates, alongside improving transparency and funding processes, is critical to regaining the trust of the community it serves. Gender equality advocates are also calling for increased oversight to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and that women innovators receive the support they need to succeed.
Broader Implications for Women in Innovation
This scandal (for this author, who has been watching too much Bridgeton) has highlighted the broader challenges that women face in the innovation sector. While initiatives like Women in Innovation are crucial for addressing gender disparities, they must be backed by consistent and reliable support. The Innovate UK funding shortfall serves as a reminder that efforts to close the gender gap in innovation require more than good intentions - they demand effective execution and follow-through.
The fact that applications for this year’s Women in Innovation program reached an all-time high (1,452 applications) is a positive sign that more women are seeking opportunities in the innovation sector. However, with only 50 projects being supported at a maximum grant of £75,000 each, the lack of funding threatens to undermine this progress and further delay and/or disruption women entrepreneurs and their business plans, which could have long-term implications for their success.
Horizon Europe energy funding opportunities webinar
The Horizon Europe Energy Collaborative R&D Funding Opportunities Webinar, organised by Innovate UK Business Connect, is an essential event for stakeholders in the energy sector looking to engage in cutting-edge research and development (R&D) collaborations. Scheduled for 20th August 2024, this webinar will provide participants with detailed insights into the various funding opportunities available under the Horizon Europe framework, focusing on the energy domain.
Overview of Horizon Europe and Its Relevance to Energy R&D
Horizon Europe is the European Union's key funding program for research and innovation, with a budget of €95.5 billion for the period 2021-2027. The program is designed to support projects that address global challenges and enhance Europe’s scientific and technological bases. For the energy sector, Horizon Europe offers substantial funding opportunities aimed at advancing the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
This webinar is particularly timely as the UK, despite Brexit, remains associated with Horizon Europe, allowing UK entities to participate fully in the program. This association means that UK-based researchers, businesses, and other organisations can continue to lead or collaborate in Horizon Europe projects, accessing funding to drive forward innovations in energy technologies.
Key Topics and Opportunities
The webinar will delve into specific areas of Horizon Europe that are relevant to the energy sector, highlighting calls for proposals that address pressing issues such as renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and the development of smart energy systems. These calls are part of Horizon Europe’s wider mission to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, supporting projects that can contribute to the European Green Deal.
Participants will learn about the funding mechanisms within Horizon Europe, including the Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA), which provide support for early-stage research as well as closer-to-market activities. The webinar will also discuss how to develop competitive proposals, with tips on aligning project ideas with Horizon Europe’s strategic priorities and evaluation criteria.
Eureka Eurogia Cluster and Additional Funding Avenues
In addition to Horizon Europe, the webinar will introduce the Eureka Eurogia Cluster, an industry-driven initiative focused on low-carbon energy technologies. The Eurogia Cluster facilitates international collaborations between businesses and research organisations, offering a complementary funding stream for energy-related R&D projects. This cluster supports a wide range of technologies, from renewable energy generation and storage to energy efficiency and smart grids.
The event will explore how UK organisations can engage with the Eurogia Cluster, either as project leaders or partners, and leverage its funding to enhance their innovation capacities. This dual approach of combining Horizon Europe opportunities with the Eurogia Cluster could provide a significant boost to the development of breakthrough energy technologies in the UK and beyond.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
One of the highlights of the webinar is the opportunity for participants to pitch their project ideas to potential collaborators. This pitching session is designed to facilitate the formation of consortia for Horizon Europe proposals, bringing together complementary expertise from different sectors and countries. Additionally, the webinar will include a Q&A session, allowing attendees to interact directly with experts from Innovate UK KTN and gain tailored advice on their specific project ideas.
The webinar is also an excellent platform for networking with peers, sharing knowledge, and identifying synergies between different research agendas. By fostering these connections, the event aims to catalyse the creation of strong, multidisciplinary consortia capable of securing Horizon Europe funding and driving forward impactful energy innovations.
For more details and to register for the event, visit the official site: https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/events/horizon-europe-energy-collaborative-rd-funding-opportunities-webinar
COST Actions: A Catalyst for Research Collaboration
The development and growth of research across Europe have been significantly shaped by initiatives that foster collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing among scientists and researchers. Among these initiatives, COST Actions stand out as a unique and impactful program that bridges the gap between different research communities, disciplines, and countries. COST Actions are not just about research funding; they represent a broader, more integrated approach to scientific collaboration that can lead to ground breaking discoveries and innovations.
What are COST Actions?
COST, which stands for *European Cooperation in Science and Technology*, is an intergovernmental framework established in 1971 that aims to support the coordination of nationally funded research activities across Europe. COST Actions are one of the key mechanisms through which this support is delivered. They are essentially networks that bring together researchers and innovators from various disciplines, institutions, and countries to work on specific research topics. These networks are open to all scientific fields, including the humanities and social sciences, and they are characterised by their inclusivity, flexibility, and interdisciplinarity.
A COST Action is a bottom-up initiative, meaning that the topics are proposed by the researchers themselves rather than being dictated by the funding body. This ensures that the Actions are relevant to current scientific needs and interests, and it allows for the exploration of emerging research areas. Once a proposal is approved, the Action receives funding to support activities such as workshops, conferences, short-term scientific missions, training schools, and dissemination efforts. Importantly, COST Actions do not fund research directly; instead, they focus on networking activities that enable researchers to collaborate, share knowledge, and build partnerships that can lead to larger, funded research projects.
The Structure and Process of COST Actions
COST Actions typically span four years and involve participants from at least seven different COST member countries. However, participation is not limited to Europe; researchers from non-COST countries can also join, making the networks truly global. The structure of a COST Action is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to tailor their activities according to the needs of the network. This adaptability is one of the key strengths of COST Actions, as it allows for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering innovation and creativity.
The process of setting up a COST Action begins with the submission of a proposal by researchers. These proposals are then evaluated by independent experts based on criteria such as scientific excellence, networking potential, and impact. Once approved, the Action is launched, and a Management Committee is established to oversee its activities. This committee is composed of representatives from the participating countries and is responsible for coordinating the network's activities, managing the budget, and ensuring that the objectives of the Action are met.
COST Actions are organised into Working Groups, each focused on a specific aspect of the research topic. These groups are where the core work of the Action takes place, with members collaborating on joint publications, developing new methodologies, and sharing data and resources. The interdisciplinary nature of these Working Groups often leads to innovative approaches and solutions that might not have emerged within a single discipline.
The Impact of COST Actions
The impact of COST Actions can be seen in several areas, from the advancement of scientific knowledge to the development of new technologies and the strengthening of research capacities across Europe. One of the most significant outcomes of COST Actions is the formation of durable research networks that continue to collaborate long after the official end of the Action. These networks often lead to the submission of joint research proposals to larger funding bodies, such as the European Union's Horizon Europe program, thereby multiplying the impact of the initial COST Action.
Another important aspect of COST Actions is their role in supporting early-career researchers. The networking opportunities provided by COST Actions are invaluable for young scientists, allowing them to build connections with senior researchers, gain exposure to different research environments, and enhance their professional development. COST Actions also promote gender balance and inclusivity, ensuring that researchers from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and contribute to the network.
COST Actions also play a crucial role in addressing societal challenges by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that can tackle complex issues such as climate change, public health, and digital transformation. For example, a COST Action might bring together experts in environmental science, economics, and policy to develop integrated approaches to climate adaptation. This ability to connect different fields of knowledge and practice is one of the unique strengths of COST Actions.
UK Eligibility
UK entities are allowed to join COST Actions, even after the UK's exit from the European Union. The UK participates in COST Actions as a member of the COST program, which is separate from the EU's Horizon Europe framework. This means that researchers, institutions, and other entities based in the UK can still participate in COST Actions alongside their European and international counterparts.
As participants, UK researchers can join existing COST Actions, propose new ones, and benefit from the networking, training, and collaboration opportunities that these actions provide. This ongoing participation reflects COST's commitment to inclusivity and its goal of fostering collaborative research across a broad geographical area, including non-EU countries.
Overall, UK entities remain active and integral participants in COST Actions, continuing to contribute to and benefit from this vibrant European research network.
For more information, visit the COST website:
Innovate UK's Innovation Loan Programme
Empowering SMEs for Future Growth
Innovate UK's Innovation Loan programme is aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with late-stage research and development (R&D) projects that demonstrate high innovation potential and significant future economic impact. This initiative provides up to £25 million in loans to help these businesses bridge the gap between R&D and commercialisation.
Overview of the Programme
The Innovation Loan programme is designed for SMEs registered in the UK, focusing on projects that are significantly ahead of current market offerings or utilise existing products, processes, or services in innovative ways. The loans range from £100,000 to £2 million, with the expectation that projects will commence by April 1, 2025. The programme aims to support a variety of sectors, emphasising themes such as Net Zero, health and wellbeing, next-generation digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the loan, businesses must:
- Be a UK-registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise.
- Conduct and exploit their project within the UK.
- Demonstrate the need for public funding and the ability to repay the loan on time.
- Provide evidence of their business's suitability to handle a loan.
Notably, individuals, large companies, non-profits, academic institutions, and research organisations are not eligible. Collaboration is not funded, but subcontractors are allowed, if justified.
Project Requirements
Eligible projects should:
- Lead to the development of innovative new products, processes, or services.
- Include prototyping, demonstrating, piloting, testing, or validation in real-life conditions.
- Align with one or more future economy areas specified in Innovate UK's plan for action.
The programme encourages applications from underrepresented communities, including those outside major investment hubs and from diverse backgrounds.
Application Process
The application process is comprehensive, consisting of three main sections: business and financial details, project questions, and project finances. The application is evaluated based on the quality of the project and the business's ability to manage and repay the loan.
Applicants must also address specific project aspects, including:
- The business need, technological challenge, or market opportunity.
- The market potential and commercialisation plan.
- The team’s skills and project management strategy.
- Detailed project costs and financial planning.
Submissions are reviewed by independent experts and Innovate UK’s credit team. Successful applicants will proceed to detailed credit analysis and final lending decisions.
Key Dates
The programme operates through multiple rounds:
- Round 16: Opens on 27th June 2024, and closes on 21st August 2024.
- Round 17: Opens on 22nd August 2024, and closes on 2nd October 2024.
- Round 18: Opens on 3rd October 2024, and closes on 3rd December 2024.
- Round 19: Opens on 3rd December 2024, and closes on 29th January 2025.
Financial Terms
Innovation loans are structured with favourable terms:
- Availability Period: Up to three years with loan drawdowns and interest at 3.7% per annum.
- Extension Period: Up to two years, focusing on commercialisation with deferred interest.
- Repayment Period: Up to five years with quarterly repayments and a 7.4% interest rate.
Security is generally in the form of a debenture, with no personal guarantees required. Loans cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, with the equivalent benefit of a grant due to below-market interest rates.
What Next?
For a free consultation to discuss your project, contact RedKnight today.
The 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators Now Open
The 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators
The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have announced the 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators, highlighting the extraordinary contributions of women entrepreneurs who drive impactful innovation. This prestigious award seeks to recognise and amplify the achievements of women innovators, encouraging gender equality in business and technology.
Categories and Prizes
The 2025 edition features three main categories:
- EIC Women Innovators: This category is open to women Founders or Co-founders of companies from EU Member States and Associated Countries. The top three winners will receive prizes of €100,000, €70,000, and €50,000 respectively.
- EIC Rising Innovators: Targeted at emerging innovators under the age of 35, this category also awards three prizes: €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000.
- EIT Women Leadership: This category focuses on women with a direct link to the EIT Community. Similar to the Rising Innovators, the top three will be awarded €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000.
These prizes are designed to provide substantial support to women who are making significant strides in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Key Dates and Application Process
- Online Info-session: Scheduled for 5th July 2024 (11:00am-12:00pm CEST), this session will provide detailed information about the application process.
- Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 25th September 2024 at 5.00pm CEST.
- Applicants must submit their entries through the Funding & Tenders Portal, ensuring they meet the criteria specified in the Rules of the Contest.
Promoting Gender Equality in Innovation
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, emphasises that the European Prize for Women Innovators showcases the ingenuity and leadership of women in the innovation sector. This initiative celebrates their achievements and also sets them as role models, promoting gender equality in the fields of technology and business.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
Despite the growing recognition of women innovators, systemic barriers still exist that hinder their full participation in the tech and business sectors. The EIC and EIT are committed to addressing these challenges by providing platforms and resources that support women-led companies and innovations. By doing so, they aim to foster an inclusive environment that empowers women to contribute significantly to the economy and society.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in applying, detailed information and resources are available on the European Prize for Women Innovators webpage. The application process is straightforward, and support is provided through various channels to ensure that potential applicants have all the necessary information.
New Innovative Health Initiative Call for Proposals
Exploring IHI Call 8: A New Horizon for Health Innovation
The Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) has launched its eighth call for proposals, focusing on pivotal areas in health research and innovation. This call aims to foster collaborative projects that address pressing health challenges through cutting-edge science and technology. Here’s a comprehensive look at what IHI Call 8 entails and how interested parties can get involved.
Key Focus Areas of IHI Call 8
IHI Call 8 is structured around four main topics:
- Cardiovascular Disease: This topic seeks innovative city-based approaches to reducing cardiovascular mortality across Europe. The emphasis is on implementing scalable and sustainable solutions that can be integrated into urban healthcare systems to improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
- Osteoarthritis: Utilising big data analytics, this topic aims to develop novel endpoints for osteoarthritis. By leveraging vast amounts of data, the goal is to enhance the understanding of disease progression and treatment efficacy, ultimately improving patient care.
- Regulatory Sandboxes: This topic involves modelling regulatory sandbox mechanisms. These sandboxes are controlled environments where innovative health technologies can be tested and validated under regulatory supervision, facilitating faster market entry for breakthrough innovations.
- Patient-Centred Endpoints: The focus here is on deriving patient-centred clinical-study endpoints using digital health technologies. This involves creating more personalised and precise measures of health outcomes that reflect the real-world experiences and needs of patients.
Funding and Budget
The total indicative budget for IHI Call 8 is €96.6 million, with €47.6 million contributed by IHI and €49.0 million from industry and other contributing partners. This substantial funding emphasises the EU's commitment to advancing health innovation through collaborative research.
Application Process and Deadlines
IHI Call 8 follows a two-stage application process:
- Stage 1: Short proposal submission deadline is on 10th October 2024, at 17:00 Brussels time.
- Stage 2: Full proposal submission deadline is on 23rd April 2025, at 17:00 Brussels time.
Applicants must submit their proposals via the Funding and Tenders Portal, ensuring they have an EU Login account, and their organisation is registered as a beneficiary.
Finding Partners
Collaboration is at the heart of IHI Call 8. To facilitate the formation of consortia, IHI provides resources through the IHI Call Days platform, where potential partners can connect, schedule meetings, and seek advice on forming robust partnerships. This platform remains active until the call deadline, offering continuous support for networking and collaboration.
Additional Resources and Support
Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the detailed call documents available on the IHI website and the Funding and Tenders Portal. These documents include the guide for applicants, which provides crucial information on proposal preparation and submission. Additionally, IHI offers info sessions and various support mechanisms to assist applicants throughout the process.
Emphasis on Inclusivity and Innovation
IHI Call 8 is designed to be inclusive, inviting participation from a broad range of stakeholders, including SMEs, academic institutions, and industry partners. The focus on digital health technologies, big data analytics, and regulatory innovation reflects a commitment to embracing cutting-edge solutions that address contemporary health challenges.
What Next
For a Free consultation to discuss your project, contact RedKnight today.