i4i Product Development Awards open for applications
The NIHR i4i Product Development Awards are open for applications! Funding is available to support translational research and development of medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and high-impact patient-focused digital health technologies for NHS use.
Eligibility Criteria
Firstly, the lead applicant must be i) registered in England and ii) an SME, NHS provider or higher education institution. Projects should be collaborative and include at least two types of organisation from this list.
In addition, projects must have demonstrated proof of concept and have a clear pathway towards adoption and commercialisation. There is no upper funding limit but all costs must be fully justified.
How to apply
All competitions under the i4i programme have a two-stage application process - only those successful at Stage 1 will receive an invite to proceed to Stage 2. Stage 1 opened on 20th October and will close on 8th December, with applicants set to receive the results of their submission by 17th February 2022. Then, Stage 2 will follow with a deadline of 13th April 2022.
The following activities are eligible for funding:
- Research and development of medical devices, in vitro diagnostic devices across all areas of existing or emerging healthcare need.
- Digital health technologies that fall under Tier 3 of the NICE Evidence Framework for Digital Health Technologies (.PDF), and that are focused on patient outcomes and intended for ultimate NHS use.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies including Augmented or Ambient Intelligence, applied in areas of health and social care including health promotion and prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
- Product development required to enable a technology for clinical use
- Research and development of techniques or technologies from a different industry sector, which could have a potential impact if applied in a healthcare setting.
- Feasibility studies if a technology from a sector other than health
- Studies to provide data relating to safety and effectiveness of a device
- Clinical utility studies
- CE/UKCA marking and other regulatory requirements
- Activities associated with the technology’s market access strategy
- Training associated with the implementation of new technology
Further information is available on the NIHR website.
How RedKnight can help
RedKnight’s team of grant funding consultants has over 50 years’ combined experience, accessing more than £50 million. If you’d like our help applying to the i4i Product Development Awards, please get in touch today.
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New £375 million Future Fund: Breakthrough scheme open for applications
Future Fund: Breakthrough is open for applications. The new UK-wide scheme is encouraging private investors to co-invest with the Government in high-growth, innovative companies. It will deliver £375 million of government funding via British Patient Capital, a subsidiary of the British Business Bank.
This funding is for businesses that are looking to raise at least £30 million of investment. The Government will provide up to 30% of the required investment and the remaining 70% should come from private investors.
The scheme is targeting innovators in a range of breakthrough technology sectors, including life sciences, quantum computing and clean technology. It will enable businesses to scale up and bring their transformational technologies to market, helping secure the UK’s position as a scientific superpower.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scheme, a company must:
- Be a UK-registered business with significant UK operations i.e., at least half of the company’s employment base and half of its research employees should be based in the UK.
- Have secured at least £5 million of equity investment in previous funding rounds in the last five years.
- Be raising a minimum investment round size of £30 million.
- Be carrying out R&D activity in the UK by meeting all three of the following criteria:
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- Your R&D spending must have been i) at least 10% of your total operational cost base on average over the last 3 years or ii) at least 15% in one of the past 3 years.
- Your company must be developing defensible intellectual property in the UK, which will become the company’s main revenue source.
- You intend for at least 20% of your team to be carrying out research for at least 3 years from the date of investment, in roles that require a relevant master’s degree or higher.
How to Apply
Companies cannot apply directly for Future Fund: Breakthrough funding. Rather, applications must be made by a lead investor, who should meet the criteria listed by British Patient Capital.
Firstly, the lead investor must complete an online application form to prove that they meet the eligibility criteria. Following this, they will share an investment paper with British Patient Capital which explains why they are making the investment.
The lead investor will then need to pass reputation and customer due diligence checks, and share any legal and financial due diligence reports that they have prepared on the benefitting company.
More Information
More information is available on the British Patient Capital's website. If this isn't the right opportunity for you, and you would like to explore alternative funding options, please contact us to arrange a free consultation.
UK Government Announces New Innovation Strategy
The UK Government has announced a new Innovation Strategy, setting a long-term plan for delivering innovation-led growth. It aims to secure the UK’s position as a world leader in science, research and innovation by boosting private sector investment in R&D and creating the right conditions for all businesses to innovate.
But what does that mean in practice?
Firstly, the government will identify a series of ‘innovation missions’ to set clear direction, urgency and pace on some of the largest challenges facing the world today. These will be determined by the new National Science and Technology Council and supported by the Office for Science and Technology Strategy.
The strategy also identifies seven strategic technologies to prioritise and build on existing R&D strength: Advanced Materials and Manufacturing; AI, Digital and Advanced Computing; Bioinformatics and Genomics; Engineering Biology; Electronics, Photonics and Quantum; Energy and Environment Technologies; Robotics and Smart Machines.
Significantly, the strategy outlines four main areas of support for innovative businesses and institutions:
- Unleashing Business
- People
- Institutions and Places
- Missions and Technologies
They include the following measures:
- Increase annual public investment in R&D to a record £22 billion
- Ensure government procurement is both proactive and supportive, providing a route to market for innovative new products and services
- Consult on how regulation can ensure that the UK is well-placed to extract the best value from innovation
- Commission the Regulatory Horizons Council to consider how best to support innovation through regulation
- Introduce new High Potential Individual and Scale-up visa routes, as well as revitalise the Innovator route, to attract and retain high-skilled, globally mobile innovation talent
- Undertake an independent review to assess the landscape of UK organisations undertaking all forms of research, development and innovation
- Reduce complexity for innovative companies by developing an online finance and innovation hub between Innovate UK and the British Business Bank
- Expand IP education programme for researchers and launch International IP Services
- Publish a new action plan on ‘Standards for the Fourth Industrial Revolution', therefore promoting standards that enable innovation to flourish
- Invest £200 million through the British Business Bank’s Life Sciences Investment Programme in order to target the growth-stage funding gap
- Support 30,000 senior managers of small and medium-sized businesses through Help to Grow: Management to boost their business’s performance, resilience, and long-term growth
We look forward to seeing the impact of the Innovation Strategy in the coming months. Where grant funding opportunities arise, we will of course highlight them on our blog and in our monthly newsletter.
Source: UK Government
i4i Connect: Funding Available for SMEs Developing MedTech Projects
The NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) programme will launch the fifth round of its Connect Awards on 17th August 2021. This round will have two funding streams: 1) Connect awards and 2) Children and Young People’s Mental Health Awards.
i4i Connect provides funding for SMEs developing medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and digital health technologies which have a clear patient benefit and are intended for NHS use. The funding is to help companies reach the next stage in the development pathway. This will enable them to apply for further funding, such as the i4i Product Development Award.
Eligibility Criteria
- Projects must be led by an SME
- The lead applicant must be based in England
- The project value must be between £50,000 and £150,000
- Projects must last 6-12 months
- Applicants need to demonstrate evidence of proof-of-concept
- Projects should address a clearly defined unmet clinical need
- The project must start between 1st January 2021 and 1st March 2021
Application Process
i4i Connect has a two-stage application process:
- Stage 1 – Expression of Interest
- Stage 2 – Business Plan and video pitch
Firstly, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest form by 14th September 2021. Applicants will be notified of their submission outcome in October and, if successful, they can proceed to Stage 2.
Stage 2 requires applicants to submit a business plan with a maximum of 15 pages and a 3-minute video pitch by 2nd November. This will be reviewed by the i4i Connect Selection Committee, and applicants will be notified of their submission outcome later in November.
More Information
You can find more information in the competition document. If you are looking for bid writing support and would like to arrange a free consultation with a member of our team, get in touch today.
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DASA Launches £2 Million ‘Space to Innovate’ Campaign
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched a ‘Space to Innovate’ campaign in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Space Programme.
The campaign aims to promote space resilience and operational effectiveness. Therefore, it seeks proposals for the development of new space technologies that will enhance and protect space military and civil potential. In contrast to other DASA competitions, the ‘Space to Innovate’ campaign comprises space-related challenges that will be released in “drops” throughout 2021 and 2022.
Alpha Challenge Drop
The first challenge drop is open until 4th August 2021. It focuses on two challenges:
Challenge 1: Visualisation tools to enable space operators to exploit information gathered from multiple data sources
Firstly, DASA is looking for novel solutions that could help to address the following issues:
- enhancing the situational awareness around an object
- understanding and monitoring manoeuvres and changes of objects in orbit
- streamlining ingestion issues with multiple data sources and different naming conventions
- using machine learning to enhance our understanding and interrogation of the data presented & make sense of results
- visualising uncertainty in data
Contracts of up to £125,000 are available for projects that last no longer than six months. By the end of the contract, projects should reach TRL 3-6.
Challenge 2: Novel methods for characterising objects in space and their intent
Secondly, DASA is interested in proposals that help to characterise objects in space and their intent, including:
- detecting changes of state (e.g. translational manoeuvres, transmissions, attitude changes, form factors, spawned objects, ‘active / inactive’) and predicting future changes
- exploiting non-traditional sensor configurations including bi- or multi-static configurations and the repurposing of existing facilities
- technologies that allow resolution of individual features on an observed satellite, inferring information regarding payloads
- observing the interaction and cooperation between satellites in formation in LEO or geostationary Earth orbit (GEO)
- satellite overflight warning of Earth observation missions (featuring electro-optical, synthetic aperture radar, electronic intelligence or other technologies) primarily in LEO
- asset protection for high-value satellites operating in GEO
Funded projects should again reach TRL 3-6. Contracts of up to £125,000, £200,000 and £400,000 are available for this challenge, depending on project length.
For more information on both of the challenges, please see the competition document. If you’re thinking of applying but need bid writing support, contact us to arrange a free consultation.
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Funding available to reduce the impact of offshore windfarms on UK air defence
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has announced Phase 2 of the Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence competition. They will invest up to £3.6 million in innovations that permit the coexistence of offshore windfarms and UK air defence surveillance systems.
Background
Offshore wind is a key feature of the UK’s net zero future. In the 2019 ‘Net Zero’ legislation, the Committee on Climate Change predicted a requirement for at least 75GW of electricity from offshore wind by 2050 (Source: DASA). To achieve this, there will need to be a ten-fold increase in the UK’s current offshore windfarm generation capacity. However, this has the potential to negatively impact military air defence – thus, DASA is seeking innovations to make co-existence possible.
Eligibility
Applicants should recognise that this is the second phase of a multi-phase competition. While you don’t have to have been involved in Phase 1 to apply, you should be aware of the successful projects from the previous competition. In contrast to Phase 1, Phase 2 projects will reach a higher level of maturity. Individual proposals should not exceed £600k and, if successful, all work should be completed by 28th February 2023.
Scope
Proposals should address the challenge of maintaining the effective surveillance of airspace, despite the presence of larger windfarms. DASA is interested in alternative technologies that could fulfill one or more of the following objectives:
- Reduce radar clutter caused by offshore windfarms
- Ensure intruder detection in the vicinity of offshore windfarms
- Fill or remove gaps in radar coverage created by windfarms
Projects may involve some of the following components: alternative turbine materials; shaping of turbine materials; next generation or novel signal processing techniques; alternative technologies or combinations of these that would maintain the effective surveillance of airspace. In addition, the competition document contains a list of projects that DASA will not fund, including those that deliver technologies below TRL 4.
You can find more information in the competition document or contact us if you have any further questions. If this isn't the opportunity you're looking for, subscribe to our free monthly newsletter in order to receive the latest funding competitions direct to your inbox!
NIHR i4i Product Development Awards
Applications are now open for the i4i Product Development Awards (PDA), run by the National Institute for Health Research. The PDA support translational research and development of medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, and high-impact patient-focused digital health technologies.
Application Process
All competitions under the i4i programme have a two-stage application process - only those successful at Stage 1 will receive an invite to proceed to Stage 2. Stage 1 opened on 14th April and will close on 9th June, with applicants set to receive the results of their submission by 10th August. Then, Stage 2 will launch with a deadline of 28th September.
Eligibility Criteria
Firstly, all projects must have demonstrated proof of concept and have a clear pathway towards adoption and commercialisation. They should last between 24 and 36 months. Applications can be led by SMEs, NHS providers or higher education institutions. However, eligible collaborations must consist of at least two types of organisation from the above list. For example, an SME may work in collaboration with an NHS service provider. In addition, the lead organisation must be registered in England.
The following activities may be eligible for funding from the Product Development Awards:
- Research and development of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices across all areas of existing or emerging healthcare need
- Digital health technologies that fall under Tier 3 of the NICE Evidence Framework for Digital Health Technologies, and that are focused on patient outcomes and intended for ultimate NHS use
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies including Augmented or Ambient Intelligence, applied in areas of health and social care including health promotion and prevention, diagnosis and treatment
- Product development required to enable a technology for clinical use
- Research and development of techniques or technologies from a different industry sector, which could have a potential impact if applied in a healthcare setting
- Feasibility studies if developing a technology from a sector other than health
- Studies to provide data relating to safety and effectiveness of a device
- Clinical utility studies
- CE/UKCA marking and other regulatory requirements
- Activities associated with the technology’s market access strategy
- Training associated with the implementation of new technology
RedKnight’s team of grant funding consultants has over 50 years’ combined experience, accessing more than £50 million. If you’d like our help applying to the Product Development Awards, please get in touch.
Not the opportunity you’re looking for? You can find alternative competitions on our blog and in our free monthly newsletter.
DASA: Funding available to address challenges in defence and security
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is a cross-government organisation, set up in 2016. The organisation provides grant funding for projects that support UK defence and security quickly and effectively.
Open Call for Innovation
DASA runs a regular open funding competition to find proposals that address challenges in defence and security. Ideas should be either a concept, technology, or service; if your proposal is a product, you should instead speak to the Defence Suppliers Service.
There are two main categories within DASA’s Open Call for Innovation:
1. Emerging Innovations
Firstly, this category is for less mature innovations. Typical projects will deliver a proof of concept at around TRL 3 or 4. In order to determine where your project sits on this scale, read our introduction to TRLs. There is no funding limit, however, DASA typically expects to award between £50k and £100k for projects that last between 3 and 10 months.
2) Rapid Impact
In contrast to ‘Emerging Innovations’, this strand is for more developed innovations. In more detail, eligible proposals will deliver a technology model or prototype demonstration at around TRL 6 or 7. DASA expects to fund bids between £100k and £350k but there is again no specified funding limit. In addition, proposals should have a realistic prospect of achieving an impact within a 3-year time frame.
Innovation Focus Areas
DASA’s Open Call for Innovation welcomes a wide range of innovative ideas in order to solve problems linked to defence and security. However, there are several key areas of interest, as listed below:
- Armoured fighting vehicle short gap crossing capability
- Integrate information and physical activity across all domains
- Delivering agile command and control
- Operate and deliver effects in contested domains
- Defence people - skills, knowledge and experience
- Simulating future battlespace complexity
The next deadlines for DASA’s Open Call for Innovation are 11th August 2021 and 20th October 2021. You can find more information, including how to apply, here. Alternatively, please contact us today if you’d like to discuss an innovative idea with one of our expert advisers.
SBRI open call for innovation in cancer care
In collaboration with NHS England and NHS Improvement, the SBRI Healthcare Cancer Programme has announced a £15 million funding competition for innovation in cancer care. The funding is provided by the NHS Cancer Programme.
The competition aims to implement innovative solutions into the following front-line clinical cancer care settings: i) early detection and diagnosis of cancer and ii) diagnostic efficiency of cancer services. Funding is available for a number of innovation types. They include medical devices, digital health and equipment, behaviour intervention, and new models of care.
The competition brief asks applicants to consider the following questions:
- To what extent will the proposed solution impact cancer service? How will the system need to be changed (including people, processes and culture), in order to deliver system-wide benefits?
- How will applicants ensure that the innovation will be acceptable to patients (and their families and wider support network) and to clinician groups/health care professionals? In what way have these groups been involved in the design and development of the innovation?
- How will applicants ensure that the innovation is affordable to the NHS and wider system such as Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) both immediately and throughout the sustained life of the product? What evidence, both health economics and delivery of impact will the NHS and wider system require before the technology can be fully adopted?
- How will applicants ensure that the innovation takes into account equity of access and addresses unwarranted variation (e.g. takes account of underserved ethnic or economic groups/digital poverty) and helps the NHS towards its target to reach net zero carbon?
- What is the likely impact of this innovation in comparison to the current patient pathway? What is the potential impact on stage distribution and survival based on current data?
- How could the implementation of this innovation develop in the long term? You should take into account any relevant commitments in the NHS LTP.
- You should also consider improving staff working experience/practice and effects on patient perspective.
Eligibility
This call is for products at a late stage of development. They must have achieved regulatory approvals and/or be in use in at least one trust. Any size organisation from the private, public and third sector can apply, providing that they are based in Europe. However, clinical sites can only be based in England. In the first instance, projects should last for up to 18 months and cost no more than £5 million.
The SBRI call for innovation in cancer care opens today, 17th March, and will close on 21st April. You can find more information on the SBRI Healthcare website.
RedKnight has significant experience in supporting applications in the health sector; you can read some of our most recent case studies here. If you’d like to discuss your application with one of our advisers, please contact us today.
£92 million funding boost for green technologies
The UK Government has announced a £92 million funding boost for green technologies as part of the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. In the next year, they will launch three innovation challenges across key areas of the green energy sector. These include energy storage technology, floating offshore wind, and biomass production.
The development of these technologies will reduce costs of deployment across the energy sector. In addition, the green technologies will create highly skilled jobs across the UK and help grow the economy in the aftermath of Covid-19.
Following the announcement, Energy Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:
“This funding will allow us to develop new ways of unlocking the potential for green energy as we continue making big strides towards our goal of eradicating our contribution to climate change by 2050.”
Energy storage innovation
Of the £92 million government investment, £68 million is allocated for the development of energy storage technologies to support a future renewable energy system. This competition will formally open to bids in the spring. However, you can express your interest now on the Government website.
Floating offshore wind
Secondly, the Government will invest £20 million in the advancement of floating offshore wind technology. Innovative projects in this area could advance vital components such as dynamic high voltage cable systems, moorings for challenging seabed conditions and foundations. You can lodge an expression of interest in the offshore wind competition now.
Sustainably sourced biomass
Thirdly, £4 million is available for projects that increase the production of sustainably sourced biomass in the UK. New innovations will help scale up sustainably sourced biomass feedstocks and the production of energy crops. As well as this, they will help to achieve improvements in yields, cost reductions and profitability.
The biomass feedstocks innovation competition is now open to applications. All applicants must register their interest by 31st March and submit their full application by 7th May. If you’re looking for bid writing support, please contact us to arrange a free consultation.