Mindset extended reality (XR): Digital therapeutics for mental health
Innovate UK has announced a funding opportunity aimed at developing digital therapeutics using extended reality (XR) for mental health. The competition, opening on 28th October 2024, will invest up to £3.7 million in R&D projects that offer innovative mental healthcare solutions. Eligible projects should have costs between £200,000 and £300,000 and last 12 to 18 months. XR solutions should focus on addressing moderate to severe mental health conditions and aim for large-scale adoption within the UK's healthcare system. The deadline for applications is 15th January 2025.
Addressing Mental Health with Extended Reality
Mental health disorders affect millions of people worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges. The rise in anxiety, depression, and other conditions has spurred the demand for effective mental health treatments that can be scaled and made widely accessible. This funding opportunity encourages the development of XR solutions aimed at treating moderate to severe mental health conditions. XR technologies include virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), all of which have been used in therapeutic settings for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
By combining these immersive technologies with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, XR solutions can offer patients an engaging and personalised experience. Unlike traditional talk therapies, XR can simulate environments that help patients confront and manage their symptoms in real-time. For instance, VR has been used to treat phobias by gradually exposing individuals to their fears in a controlled and safe environment. Similarly, AR can help users visualise coping strategies or engage with therapeutic content in their daily surroundings.
The Scope of the Competition
The competition invites proposals that will create new, innovative XR-based digital therapeutics. Projects must focus on mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other moderate to severe conditions. These solutions should not just focus on short-term relief but also demonstrate a potential for long-term, sustainable impact on the UK’s healthcare system.
Innovate UK emphasises the need for solutions that can be integrated into existing healthcare frameworks, allowing for broad scalability and accessibility. This means that proposed XR therapeutics should be designed with the intention of large-scale adoption within the UK’s mental health services. Innovators are encouraged to work closely with healthcare professionals, patients, and mental health experts to ensure that their solutions are evidence-based, patient-centred, and aligned with the needs of the healthcare system.
Eligibility Criteria and Project Requirements
The competition is open to UK-based organisations, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large companies, universities, and research and technology organisations. Collaborations between industry and academia are encouraged to foster multidisciplinary approaches, which are often necessary when developing complex digital health solutions. However, lead applicants must demonstrate their ability to lead the development and commercialisation of the proposed XR therapeutic.
Projects should have total costs ranging between £200,000 and £300,000 and are expected to last between 12 and 18 months. This funding can be used to cover a variety of activities, including research and development, clinical trials, user testing, and the creation of XR content. Applicants must show how their solution will meet a significant clinical need, how it will be tested for efficacy and safety, and how it will be positioned for real-world implementation.
Importance of Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Developing effective digital therapeutics requires a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise in healthcare, psychology, technology, and design. The intersection of these fields is crucial for creating XR experiences that are not only technologically sound but also therapeutically effective. For example, clinicians can ensure that the therapeutic content is grounded in psychological science, while XR developers and designers can create immersive and engaging user experiences.
Innovate UK recognises the importance of collaboration between these diverse fields and encourages applicants to assemble teams that reflect this. This includes partnerships between the healthcare sector and technology companies, as well as collaboration with patients and mental health advocates to ensure that the solutions are patient centric. Co-creation with end-users can also help ensure that the final product is user-friendly and meets the needs of those who will benefit from the technology.
Potential Impact on the Healthcare System
The UK’s healthcare system, like many others around the world, is under increasing strain due to rising demand for mental health services. Traditional therapeutic models, which often rely on face-to-face sessions with trained professionals, are resource-intensive and difficult to scale. Digital therapeutics, particularly those that leverage XR, have the potential to fill this gap by offering scalable, accessible, and effective treatments that complement existing care pathways.
XR-based therapeutics can be delivered remotely, allowing patients to engage in therapy from their homes, which can be especially beneficial for those in rural or underserved areas. Moreover, the immersive nature of XR can enhance engagement and adherence to therapy, which are often major barriers to treatment success in mental health. By offering engaging and interactive experiences, XR therapeutics may be more likely to encourage patients to complete their treatment plans and achieve better outcomes.
In addition to benefiting patients, XR solutions have the potential to reduce the burden on healthcare providers. By automating some aspects of treatment or offering supplementary therapeutic content, these solutions could free up clinicians’ time to focus on more complex cases. Furthermore, the data collected through digital therapeutics can provide valuable insights into patient progress, helping clinicians tailor treatments to individual needs.
For more information on how to apply, visit the competition page.
Immersive Technology in Mental Health
Innovate UK’s £20 million Mindset programme is driving the growth of immersive digital mental health solutions in the UK.
A series of events are planned around the UK where you can find out more about funding opportunities, and the Mindset-XR Innovation Support Programme delivered by Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London.
These events are a great opportunity to:
- Hear from innovators in this exciting and developing field and learn more about why this is important for mental health services.
- Meet some of the current Mindset-XR award winners and XR innovators.
- Hear about upcoming funding for Mindset-XR Round 3.
Who should attend? Anyone interested in mental health and immersive technology, including but not limited to:
- immersive tech companies
- clinicians
- researchers /academics
- innovators
- regulatory/ legal organisations
- voluntary sector
- creatives with an interest in mental health
- people with lived experience
The events are taking place in the follow cities:
- Leeds - 25th June
- Glasgow – 27th Jun
- London – 2nd July
- Cardiff – 8th July
- Exeter – 19th July
To register your attendance, please click here.
UK-Canada: £3m Biomanufacturing Fund
Innovate UK is partnering with the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to invest up to £3 million in innovative biomanufacturing projects. This initiative, part of the Canada-UK: Biomanufacturing of Biologics and Advanced Therapies Round 2, aims to propel the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies in biomanufacturing, fostering flexibility and technical capabilities essential for the sustainable production of next-generation vaccines and therapies.
Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of this competition is to stimulate technological advancements in biomanufacturing. By encouraging bilateral research and development (R&D) collaborations, the initiative seeks to position both the UK and Canada to effectively respond to future health emergencies. Proposals must focus on innovative technologies that enable flexible, scalable, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing of novel biological therapeutic products and delivery systems. Moreover, projects must demonstrate a high potential for commercialisation, emphasising the economic viability and practical application of the proposed technologies.
Focus Areas
Projects can focus on various areas, including:
- Enabling technologies for biologics and advanced therapeutics
- Delivery systems for proteins and nucleic acids
- Novel biological products (e.g. vaccines and therapeutic proteins).
The competition seeks a portfolio approach, funding a diverse array of projects across different technologies and themes.
Competitive Application Process
Participation in this competition entails entering a competitive process. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 26th October 2024, closing at 11am UK time/ 9am PDT/ 12pm EDT).
For Canadian applicants, registration and submission of an Expression of Interest (EoI) by 2nd July 2024, are prerequisites for eligibility. Only Canadian micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply, and failure to complete an EoI disqualifies them from funding.
UK participants must be part of an application submitted to Innovate UK, while their Canadian counterparts submit a parallel application to NRC. Both applications are reviewed independently by Innovate UK and NRC, with funding decisions made jointly. Successful projects must secure grant funding from both Innovate UK and NRC to proceed.
Project Criteria
Eligible projects must request no more than £600,000 for UK organisations and no more than CA$1 million for Canadian partners. Projects should start by 1st April 2025 and conclude by 31st March 2027, lasting between 12 and 24 months. Importantly, projects must commence on the first of the month, as reflected in the grant offer letter.
Balanced Collaboration and Commercial Exploitation
Collaborative projects must involve at least one UK registered SME and one Canadian incorporated SME, with a balanced distribution of total eligible project costs among partners. Projects should predominantly take place in the UK and Canada, aiming for a balanced contribution of efforts and resources. Additionally, proposals must clearly outline the intention to commercially exploit the results, either domestically or globally.
Restrictions and Compliance
Under current restrictions, the competition will not fund any procurement, commercial, business development, or supply chain activity involving Russian or Belarusian entities. Furthermore, all project costs included in the application must be eligible under the specified guidelines.
Leading and Partnering Organisations
To lead a project, the organisation must be either a UK registered business of any size or a Canadian incorporated, profit-oriented SME. The collaboration must involve at least three eligible, grant claiming organisations (1 from Canada and 1 from the UK, with at least 1 more from either the UK or Canada). Each UK partner organisation must be invited into the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) by the lead to collaborate on the project.
Subcontractors and Non-Funded Partners
The competition allows for subcontractors, with UK subcontractor costs limited to no more than 20% of the organisation's total eligible costs. Subcontractors can be from the UK and Canada, and the use of subcontractors from other countries requires a detailed rationale.
What To Do Next?
For a free consultation to discuss your project further, contact RedKnight today.
£8m Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund
Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund: The UK's £8 Million Green Initiative
Innovate UK, in collaboration with the Department for Transport (DfT), is spearheading an ambitious initiative to invest up to £8 million in innovation projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve air quality in shipping and port operations. This commitment is not just about preserving the environment but also about positioning the UK at the forefront of maritime technology and sustainable development.
The Drive Towards Sustainable Maritime Technology
The primary goal of this competition is to support detailed feasibility studies that explore innovative technology demonstrations of scalable smart shipping technologies. These technologies are expected to make significant strides in reducing emissions and enhancing air quality. From on-vessel systems to port infrastructure improvements, the scope of potential innovations is vast and varied, encompassing everything from energy efficiency to data-driven operational enhancements.
Applicants are invited to propose projects that combine technical and economic feasibility studies related to the development and demonstration of these cutting-edge technologies.
Competition Requirements and Scope
Projects eligible for funding must have total costs ranging from £75,000 to £750,000 and should be completed within a five-month period (1st November 2024 to 31st March 2025). All project activities must be carried out within the UK, with a clear intention to exploit the results domestically, emphasising the competition's role in boosting local innovation and economic growth.
The competition is comprehensive in its reach, targeting all sizes and categories of maritime vessels, from pleasure crafts to commercial giants, as well as various infrastructures, including ports, harbours, and offshore installations like wind farms.
Innovation Themes and Project Expectations
Participants are encouraged to focus on several key areas:
- Vessel Optimisation and Smart Efficiency Technologies: Enhancing the operational efficiency of ships through innovative solutions.
- Autonomous Vessels and Subsystems: Developing control systems and sensors that facilitate autonomous maritime operations.
- Smart Port Operations: Utilising digital tools to optimise port and shipyard operations, including smart route planning and emissions monitoring.
Projects must demonstrate a potential for significant reductions in GHG emissions or improvements in air quality. They are expected to result in a robust plan for real-world demonstrations by the end of 2027, detailing the technical approaches, objectives, and business cases.
Collaboration and Regulatory Compliance
Successful projects will require collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including vessel operators, port authorities, and potentially, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Compliance with existing and future regulations will be paramount, as will engagement with DfT, Innovate UK, and any third-party contractors involved with the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund.
Intellectual Property and Economic Impact
A clear strategy for commercializing the technology is crucial. Projects must not only anchor Intellectual Property (IP) within the UK but also outline how this IP will benefit the national supply chain long-term. The competition encourages participants from across the UK to contribute to job creation and economic expansion, particularly in regions with existing maritime expertise.
For a free consultation to discuss your project idea, contact us today.
£5m Available for UK/Taiwan Collaborative Innovation
Innovate UK in collaboration with Taiwan's Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT), has announced a new funding opportunity aimed at fostering international cooperation in industrial research. With up to £5 million available for innovation projects, this initiative seeks to unite UK and Taiwanese expertise to drive technological advancements and commercial success in several cutting-edge sectors.
Competition Overview
This funding competition is designed to support collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects that are business-led and focused on creating new products, services, or industrial processes. Projects must be innovative, involve technological risk, and demonstrate high market potential. Importantly, each project must include at least one partner from the UK and one from Taiwan, with funding for UK participants provided by Innovate UK and for Taiwanese partners by DoIT.
Key Sectors and Technologies
The competition prioritises projects in several high-impact sectors, reflecting the latest trends in technology and market demands:
- Smart Technology: This includes next-generation communication technologies, semiconductor technology, and advancements in space technology.
- Green Energy Technologies: Focus areas include electric vehicles, hydrogen transportation, renewable energy solutions, future grids, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage.
- Smart Manufacturing: Enhancing automation and digital integration in manufacturing processes.
- Biotechnology: Projects might involve the development of medical materials and devices that can transform healthcare.
- Service Innovation: This sector encompasses the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and the latest in telecommunications standards, 5G and 6G.
Funding and Project Details
This competition closes at 11am (UK time) on the 17th July 2024. UK applicants can apply for a grant of up to £900,000 per project. Each project must:
- Request no more than £900,000 in grant funding.
- Start by January 1, 2025, and conclude by December 31, 2027.
- Last between 24 and 36 months.
- Perform the majority of their project work in the UK and plan to exploit the results domestically.
Consortium Requirements
Each consortium must include at least one business registered in Taiwan and ensure that all businesses are separate legal entities. This stipulation is key to fostering genuine collaboration across borders, as opposed to facilitating internal company research. The contribution of project costs must be balanced, with no single partner or country claiming more than 70% of the total project costs.
Innovation and Impact
Projects must demonstrate:
- A clear, disruptive innovative idea leading to new products, processes, or services.
- A robust business plan with documented market potential.
- Practical financial plans with clear timelines.
- Good value for money, which is a critical consideration in funding decisions.
- A plan to deliver significant economic impact and growth through commercialization soon after project completion.
- The benefits of UK and Taiwanese collaboration, detailing how international cooperation adds value.
- A well-defined IP strategy for the use and sharing of intellectual property created during the project.
- A clear route to market within two to three years of project completion.
What Next?
For a free consultation to discuss your project’s fit with the competition, please contact RedKnight today.
Pioneering Digital Transformation in UK Energy Networks
Innovate UK is investing £1.2 million dedicated to fostering collaborative projects that focus on the development of digital twins, enhancing data interoperability, and boosting cyber resilience across the nation's energy infrastructures.
This initiative is part of the broader "Building a Secure Resilient World" programme (BSRW), which aims to safeguard the critical infrastructure that powers our daily lives. The primary goal of this competition is to strengthen the cyber resilience of the UK’s energy networks through advanced digital solutions, particularly by supporting the creation and integration of digital twins.
What is a Digital Twin?
A digital twin is a digital replica of a physical entity, system, or process that can be used for simulation, analysis, and optimisation. This technology allows for detailed insight into the operation and potential vulnerabilities of energy networks, offering significant opportunities for improvement in both efficiency and security.
Competition Details and Requirements
The competition invites proposals that:
• Develop, support, or deliver digital twins within energy networks.
• Significantly improve the cyber resilience of these networks.
• Enhance the quality and interoperability of data across energy networks.
• Engage end-users throughout the development process and demonstrate testing in real-world conditions.
Eligible projects may also:
• Enable the development of digital twins specifically for energy networks.
• Improve the resilience of systems, technologies, data, and information within these networks.
• Foster increased collaboration among SMEs, energy networks, and researchers.
• Deliver products, services, or solutions with potential for commercialization.
• Help achieve the objectives of the UKRI’s BSRW programme.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcomed from SMEs specialising in:
• Cybersecurity
• Data interoperability
• Operational technologies
• Analytics and digital twins
SMEs from outside the energy sector are particularly encouraged to apply, highlighting the competition's focus on bringing innovative perspectives and technologies into the energy domain.
Funding Scope and Project Eligibility
The competition closes at 11am on 24th May 2024. Eligible projects should request grant funding between £100,000 and £300,000 and must be completed within 6 to 12 months. All project activities must occur within the UK, and the results must be exploited domestically. The projects should be ready to commence by 1st October 2024, and wrap up by 30th September 2025.
Alternative Funding and Competition Dynamics
Applicants are encouraged to explore other funding avenues, such as the OFGEM SIF competition, to maximize their potential sources of support. It’s crucial to understand that this competition is highly competitive, and funding is limited. Even highly scored projects may not secure funding if the available resources are exhausted.
What Next?
For a free consultation to discuss your project’s fit with the competition, contact RedKnight today.
DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: Analysing and Understanding Audiences
A new Themed Competition titled "Analysing and Understanding Audiences" has been initiated by DASA, supported by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The competition aims to provide up to £1 million in funding for innovative concepts to analyse and comprehend audiences.
This competition, managed by DASA on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), aims to solicit proposals that can enhance the UK Defence's capacity in the area of "Analysing and Understanding Audiences." The emphasis is on pinpointing inventive tools, techniques, and methodologies that could assist in selecting, analysing, and comprehending audiences.
Areas of particular interest include:
- Audience Segmentation
- Behavioural Insight Assessment
- Narrative Assessment
- Information Environment Assessment (IEA)
- Human Environment Assessment
- Network Analysis
- Channel Analysis
- Information Packs
- Assessment Metrics
Key Dates and Funding:
Up to £1m is available to fund multiple proposals.
The deadline to submit a proposal is midday 30 May 2023.
Dial in sessions: 30 March 2023 and 4 April 2023
A series of 15 minute one-to-one teleconference sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions.
More Information:
For more information and registration, please check here.
RedKnight has a strong track record of securing Innovate UK funding! If you would like help in putting together a competitive proposal, contact us today.
Faraday Battery Challenge Investment Readiness Programme 2023
Join the 2023 Faraday Battery Challenge Investment Readiness Programme by applying now. Innovate UK KTN is seeking to choose a maximum of 15 SMEs for the programme with the aim of expediting their investment process.
If your small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) is involved in the battery industry and you aim to accelerate your investment efforts, we encourage you to apply. The Investment Readiness Programme will assist you in refining your pitch to investors, gaining a better understanding of funding opportunities, preparing your investment materials, and delivering a compelling commercial story with greater confidence.
Innovate UK KTN will spearhead the programme with support from the Faraday Battery Challenge, in addition to expert guidance from Mountside Ventures and Stronger Stories. Regular interactions with investors will be part of the programme, allowing you to navigate the fundraising process, build connections, and initiate your journey.
The chosen SMEs will participate in a 12-week workshop programme led by Innovate UK KTN and facilitated by professionals and investors, including one-on-one mentoring sessions. By the end of the programme, you will have crafted an investor pitch, refined your proposition, and gained a comprehensive understanding of your financials and future plans.
The programme will culminate in a live showcase event where the cohort will present to an audience of investors with an interest in the battery sector.
Eligibility :
- UK based SMEs
- Organisations active in battery technologies for transport and energy storage.
- Organisations across the battery value chain (including cell materials and components, cells, modules and packs, recycling & enabling technologies)
- The programme is open to new participants only. If you have participated in the Faraday Battery Challenge Investment Readiness Programme 2021 and 2022 you will not be eligible to re-apply.
How to submit your application:
Step 1: Click on 'Submit Pitch Here' below
Step 2: Create a new account* by clicking on 'Need to create an account?'
Step 3: You can now start your application by clicking on the 'Submit Pitch Here' button
*this will enable you to save your application before you submit, revisit to modify your application before the deadline, and check the status of your application
Proposed timetable
- Deadline for applications: 5pm, 21st April 2023
- Application review and selection: 24th April 2023
- Cohort “get to know you”: w/c 1 May *(virtual)
- Workshop on Narrative and Storytelling: w/c 8th of May (live)
- Workshop on Funding Options and Strategy: w/c 15th of May (virtual)
- Pitch practice session: w/c 29th May (live)
- Panel to select companies to pitch at Showcase: w/c 7th of June (virtual)
- Showcase of selected companies to UK investors: w/c 10th July (live)
*The dates are subject to change. Additional sessions will be added to address the cohort’s needs; participation in these will be optional. Mentoring support will also be available throughout the programme.
More Information:
For more information and registration, please check here.
RedKnight has a strong track record of securing Innovate UK funding! If you would like help in putting together a competitive proposal, contact us today.
UK-South Korea Collaborative R&D Round 2
Up to £2 million will be invested in innovation projects through a collaboration between Innovate UK, which is a part of UK Research and Innovation, and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and Korean Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP).
This competition is designed to finance collaborative research and development (R&D) projects led by businesses, with a focus on industrial research. Its objective is to support innovative proposals that are jointly developed between the UK and South Korea.
At least one partner from the UK and one from South Korea must be included in the proposal. Organizations based in the UK must apply to and receive funding from Innovate UK.
Innovate UK will not provide any funding to the South Korean partner. Rather, South Korean partners must apply for and receive funding from either KIAT or KETEP, depending on the focus sector of the project:
KIAT
- advanced manufacturing and materials
- artificial intelligence
- future mobility (including battery technologies)
KETEP
- energy storage system
- Hydrogen
Your project must:
- have a maximum grant funding request of no more than £500,000
- start by 1 November 2023
- end by 30 October 2026
- last between 24 and 36 months
Your project must demonstrate:
- a clear game changing or disruptive innovative idea leading to new products, processes or services
- a strong and deliverable business plan that addresses and documents market potential and needs
- sound, practical financial plans and timelines
- good value for money which will always be a consideration in Innovate UK funding decisions
- a clear, evidence-based plan to deliver significant economic impact, return on investment (ROI) and growth through commercialisation, as soon as possible after project completion
- clear, considerable potential to significantly benefit the UK economy or national productivity
- the benefits of participants from the countries working together and how this adds value
- a clear definition of where intellectual property (IP) can be used and shared between the participants and countries
- a clear route to market within 2 to 3 years of project completion
Competition closes: Wednesday 7 June 2023 11:00am
Applicants notified: 14 August 2023
More Information:
The applications are open until 3 May 2023 11:00am. For more information and registration, please check here.
RedKnight has a strong track record of securing Innovate UK Smart Grants and can help you develop a competitive application! If you would like help putting together a competitive proposal, please contact us today.
Horizon Europe guarantee: application and grant offer statistics
On behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is delivering the statistic for 'Horizon Europe guarantee'.
This data is updated each month and includes the total number of:
- verified applications submitted to UKRI, and the total grant value requested in these applications
- grant offer letters issued to applicants, and the value of the grant offers issued.
The data is also divided according to the method used by UKRI to apply for the guarantee funds.
Number of applications and grant offers made through the Horizon Europe guarantee up to 28 February 2023.
Guarantee grant type | Applications submitted and verified | Value of grants requested in verified applications | Grant offer letters issued | Value of grant offers issued |
Collaborative Horizon Europe guarantee grants (hosted on Innovation Funding Service) | 1,387 | £614.0 million | 1,206 | £500.9 million |
European Research Council guarantee grants | 211 | £304.4 million | 210 | £301.6 million |
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions guarantee grants | 359 | £82.1 million | 347 | £80.3 million |
Total | 1,957 | £1,000.5 million | 1,763 | £882.8 million
|
Apply for Horizon Europe guarantee funding
Although the UK is in the process of associating with the programme, the "Horizon Europe guarantee" scheme offers funds to academics and innovators who are unable to get their Horizon Europe grant. UKRI is distributing the cash through its grant mechanisms.
To be eligible you must:
- be based in the UK
- have been successful at applying for a Horizon Europe grant with final submission deadlines on or before 30 June 2023
- have been included on the initial grant proposal as a ‘beneficiary’ with an assigned budget
Before you submit your application for "multi-beneficiary funds," the coordinator and the European Commission must have signed your grant agreement.
For "mono-beneficiary grants," the Commission's financing offer must have been withdrawn, or you must send a letter saying that the "grant agreement preparation" process with the Commission has been terminated.
Follow the specific guidance for your type of grant here: UKRI guidance for the Horizon Europe guarantee scheme.
Source: UK Research and Innovation