Invention for Innovation (I4I) Connect – Call 2

Funding available for SME’s to advance, or clinically validate, prototype medical devices, technologies or interventions.

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Invention for Innovation (i4i) Connect funding stream is open for applicants until 11th September, offering £50,000 Р£150,000 to help SMEs further their development.

i4i advances healthcare technologies, devices and interventions for increased patient benefit in areas of existing or emerging clinical need. They fund 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.

The expected i4i output is an advanced or clinically validated prototype medical device, technology or intervention. Examples of what is funded through Invention for Innovation includes R&D of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices, product or technology development required to enable a technology for clinical use, as well as R&D of techniques or technologies from different industry sectors which could have an impact in a healthcare setting.

i4i Connect is aimed at small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in need of a funding boost to reach the next stage in the development pathway. Offering between £50,000-£150,000 over a 6 Р12 month period, its primary aim is to help SMEs get to a point where they can apply for further funding, in particular for a full i4i Product Development Award (PDA), or to support projects at any stage of the translational research and development pathway to further de-risk them for follow on investment. Lead applicants must be from an SME based in England, with projects valued at £50,000 Р£150,000 lasting for 6 – 12 months.

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