MedTech Funding Support
focus on NIHR i4i Connect call 9 

i4i Connect 9

If you have a high-potential innovation which might align to our current NHS regional priorities, or a if a grant could help you improve patient outcomes, save the NHS money and build your business, you should consider applying to MedTech Funding Support.

Our free service is focused on supporting priority bids to NIHR-backed research and development grants. Health Innovation Wessex has the expertise and experience to give the greatest chance of success to the most promising bids from the region. Our current focus is on Connect 9, the dates for the funding call are:

You must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria to be considered for Medtech Funding Support: 

• You must be a UK-registered small-to-medium-sized enterprise or sole innovator 

• The innovation of interest will meet the funding opportunity criteria  

• The research will be carried out in the Wessex region (principally in Dorset, Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, as defined on the HIW webpage).
  
  

The MFS offer is divided into five stages:  

• Complete our Innovator Engagement Form, stating that you intend to apply for a Connect 9 grant.
• Applicants will be invited to meet HIW to discuss their innovation and suitability for a collaboration
• If successful, applicants will complete an information pack with application documents and highlight areas where the innovator would benefit from feedback, clinical input or research support 
• This information pack is reviewed by HIW for feedback, advice and, if appropriate, signposting to other opportunities
• HIW Wessex will invite successful applicants to form a strong research team with Wessex based clinicians and academics, who will help them apply for funding to develop their innovation or real-world evaluation.
  
  

Successful applicants will receive the following support free of charge:   

• Engagement with Wessex clinicians and academics to help them apply for the targeted funding calls 

• Feedback on their innovations and ways in which it may better meet clinical needs.