NIHR announces new funding opportunity for small businesses

The NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme is launching a new funding stream - i4i Connect - aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in need of a funding boost to reach their next stage in the development pathway.

Offering up to £150,000 over a 6-12 month period, i4i Connect will help SMEs get to the point of eligibility for a full i4i award or, down the line, follow on-funding. This will enable accelerated development of promising medical technologies, in line with recommendations from the Government’s Accelerated Access Review.

NIHR’s i4i Programme is a translational funding scheme that supports healthcare technologies, devices and interventions for patient benefit in areas of existing or emerging clinical need. The aim is to de-risk projects, making them attractive to follow-on funders and investors. i4i Connect is specifically tailored for SMEs at this later point of product development, as well as in the early stage to provide support on the pathway to full i4i funding, with an NHS or academic partner.

Read the full press release here.

The i4i Connect funding call will launch on 16 August. Find full details of the programme, key dates and application process on the NIHR website.