Extended deadline for NIA enables more innovations to be considered for Technology Tariff

NHS England has confirmed that the route for innovations wishing to be considered for the new Innovation and Technology Tariff, as announced on 17 June at NHS Confed, will be via the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) application process.

The deadline for the 2016 NIA has therefore been extended until 16th August to enable more cutting edge innovations to be considered for the Tariff in addition to the NIA.

The Tariff provides a national reimbursement route for new medtech innovations. For innovations to be considered for the Tariff, they must be proven to deliver significantly increased quality and improved efficiency; have a validated evidence base; be already in use; and be ready for scaling as per the NIA criteria. 

The NIA, now in its second year, offers an ideal opportunity for companies and SMEs seeking support to scale evidence-based innovations for greater patient benefit. 

Commenting on the Innovation and Technology Tariff, Matthew Swindells, National Director for Operations and Information for NHS England, said: “The new national funding route will help cut the hassle experienced by clinicians and innovators in getting uptake and spread across the NHS.  At a time when the NHS is under pressure, we want to make it as easy as possible to fast track innovations that enhance patient outcomes and improve efficiency in NHS care.”

Programme Director for the NIA, Laura Boyd, added: “Extending the 2016 NIA deadline to reflect the new deadline for Tariff applications will ensure that the best new innovations have the opportunity to apply for these fantastic initiatives; in turn benefitting patient care and experience. The NIA offers incredible support for successful applicants, including access to mentorship from a range of experts; pairing with an Academic Health Science Network Lead; peer-to-peer learning and support; plus access to a bursary of up to £30,000.”

Examples of the sorts of innovations which could become routinely commissioned in the NHS through the Innovation and Technology Tariff include 2015 NIA innovations, MyCOPD and AliveCor’s Kardia. 

For more information visit www.innovation.england.nhs.uk/nhs-innovation-accelerator