i4i Product Development Awards Call 23

Overview

i4i Product Development Awards (PDA) support translational research and development of medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and high-impact patient-focused digital health technologies for ultimate NHS use. The research proposals may address any disease or health area, provided there is a clear unmet clinical need. There is no upper funding limit for Product Development Awards, but costs must be fully justified.

i4i funds collaborative R&D projects in medtech SMEs, universities and the NHS that have demonstrated proof-of-principle and have a clear pathway towards adoption and commercialisation. The aim is to de-risk projects, making them attractive to follow-on funders and investors.

i4i competitions are based on a two stage application process. This is for Stage 1.

For PDA Call 23 – Stage 2 will launch 17th February 2022 and is by invitation only.

For more information on NIHR i4i competitions, please click here.

Award specifications:

• A minimum of two organisations must be involved from either NHS Trust, HEI or SME.
• Lead applicants must be based in England.
• Projects may be up to three years in duration.
• There is no upper funding limit, but costs must be fully justified.

Scope:

• 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
• 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

Projects must have already demonstrated ‘proof of principle’. Applicants are expected to have generated experimental data to support the case for further development and illustrate technical feasibility. Early stage research or discovery science is not fundable.

Work packages must not include animal studies or work on animal tissues. If animal studies are required as part of the project, it is expected that applicants will seek parallel funding to cover such studies, details of which can be provided in the application form.