Launch of NIHR i4i FAST (Funding At the Speed of Translation) Awards Pilot Scheme

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Invention 4 Innovation (i4i) Programme supports research and development of digital health technologies, medical devices, active implantable devices and in vitro diagnostic devices to a point where they are de-risked for follow-on investment.

NIHR’s i4i FAST (Funding At the Speed of Translation) Awards Pilot Scheme is aimed at innovators in need of a small amount of funding to answer a specific question or to fund a single piece of activity. The grants are designed to address an evidence need/gap across many technology readiness levels. Research themes can be in any area of existing or emerging clinical need.

Examples of questions that can be addressed through FAST are the following (this list is not exhaustive):

• Develop a code, algorithm or programme, hiring relevant staff where needed.
• Conduct user acceptance testing on a proof of concept diagnostic device.
• Seek patient feedback on whether an innovative approach would be acceptable.
• Develop a regulatory plan to seek approval for a technology in a health area.
• Understand the routes for reimbursement and procurement of a health technology in a bespoke setting.
• Conduct market research and develop a pricing strategy, and determine whether a proposed innovation could be cost-effective.
• Validate a sterilisation method or protocol.

Successfully answering a single question could prove pivotal. This may include consolidating the innovation’s foundation, and developing or de-risking it to an extent to justify further research and investment by public and/or private funders.

The scheme will fund:

• Research and development of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics as defined by the EU Medical Device Directive MDD.
• Digital health technologies that fall under Tier C of the NICE Evidence Framework for Digital Health Technologies and that are focused on patient outcomes and intended for ultimate NHS use.
• Generation of evidence across all areas of existing or emerging healthcare needs at any stage of the translational research pathway, to support project progression and/or evidence generation in support of an application to other funding streams (eg product design and development, intellectual property strategy, health economic model development or analyses, CE/UKCA marking and other regulatory requirements, and activities associated with the adoption of new technology).

The lead organisation must be registered in England and must be one of the eligible organisations listed below:

• SMEs with a staff headcount no greater than 250 and annual turnover no greater than €50 million (including start-up or spin-out companies). Companies must have Companies House registration prior to application.
• NHS organisations (including NHS Trusts and NHS Foundation Trusts), and equivalent UK authorities.
• Higher education institutions (including universities and research institutes).
• Not-for-profit organisations (including charities and Community Interest Companies).

All activities must be carried out in England.

Funding of £15,000 to £50,000 is available for projects lasting from three to six months. All costs must be fully justified and be appropriate to answer the proposed question/activity. Project start dates must start within four weeks of receipt of the award letter.

Applications are always open for submission on a rolling basis, however, the call may close at any time subject to budget and evaluation requirements.