Scope
To be funded through this competition, you must be working on one of the following:
- Research and development of medical devices, active implantable devices and in vitro diagnostic devices as defined by the relevant EU directives, across all areas of existing or emerging healthcare needs
- Research and development of technologies or interventions specified by Challenge Awards themes
- Product or technology development required to enable a technology for clinical use, which may include manufacturing, intellectual property protection, freedom to operate and market analysis or business case development
- 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 is being developed
- Studies to provide data relating to safety and effectiveness of a device including first-in-man and pivotal studies
- Health economic analyses and clinical utility studies looking at a device’s real-life implementation and use
- CE marking and other regulatory requirements including any associated safety trials
- Activities associated with the adoption of new technology
- Training associated with the implementation of new technology
Eligibility
This is stage 1 of a 2 stage competition.
- Stage 1 is for Expression of Interest.
- Stage 2 is by invitation only for Submission of Business Plans.
To apply for this funding you must meet the following criteria:
- Lead applicants must be from an SME.
- Lead applicants must be based in England.
- Projects must be £50,000-150,000 in value.
- Projects must be 6-12 months in duration.
- Projects must have already demonstrated ‘proof of principle’.
- Upon acceptance of i4i Connect funding, applicants agree to be bound by the terms of the NIHR standard research contract and are expected to sign the contract within 4 weeks of the award notice or the award will be withdrawn.
Exclusions
- Projects must not include animal studies, or work on animal tissues. If these studies are required, alternative funding must be used to cover the cost.
- Projects that are for early stage research or discovery science will not be funded.