Funding opportunities for the life sciences industry
The NIHR funds both commercial and non-commercial research to accelerate innovation in therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and health technologies for use in the UK’s NHS or care environment. Our funding programmes address needs in clinical and non-clinical settings.
What funding programmes can industry apply to?
Industry may apply for funding either as a lead organisation or as co-applicants with NHS or academic (Higher Education Institute) partners. Our Industry team can assist you in finding suitable partners for collaborative applications or inform you about alternative funding programmes.
The NIHR has twelve funding programmes which span the research innovation pathway, from innovation and product development, to evaluate research including large-scale, pragmatic clinical trials. To find out more, please visit our funding programmes page.
NIHR i4i - our translational funding programme for the life sciences industry
The following information is for SMEs seeking funding from the NIHR i4i funding programme either as a sole applicant or co-applicant with an academic or NHS partner.
Invention for Innovation (i4i) is our translational research funding programme for healthtech innovations that aims to address an existing or emerging health or social care need. This funding is targeted towards de-risking early-to-late stage medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics and high-impact, patient focused digital health technologies designed for use in the NHS.
The i4i mission is to advance the development of innovative health technologies for patient benefit by providing a source of translational R&D funding and structured support for academics, clinicians and SMEs in the UK.
There are three i4i funding schemes:
- i4i Product Development Award: Product development required to enable a technology for clinical use or use in social care. There is no upper funding limit, but all costs must be fully justified
- i4i Connect: Aimed at helping SMEs reach the next stage in their development pathway to enable them to apply for further funding. The funding award is between £50,000 and £150,000
- i4i FAST (Funding At the Speed of Translation): Aimed at innovators in need of a small amount of funding to answer a specific question or to fund a single piece of activity
Visit our i4i funding programme page to learn more including the latest news and advice for applicants.
Free support to help you prepare your funding application to i4i
If you decide to apply to an NIHR funding programme, we can connect you to an NIHR funding expert for free and confidential advice and guidance to help you to prepare your application.
NIHR - A globally recognised funder of innovation
NIHR funding adds value beyond the immediate research award and the follow-on support we offer.
The NIHR has been recognised as the world’s most transparent research funding body, adopting the WHO’s recommendations for maximising clinical trial transparency and minimising waste. Our funded studies also undergo high-quality peer review processes. This leads to internationally recognised research quality.
Explore more support from the NIHR
This service is just one of the ways we help life science organisations. Visit our NIHR support for industry page to discover our full range of support or explore all our services and support.
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Contact the Industry team
Get in touch with our dedicated Industry team to find the right funding scheme for you.
If you have already been awarded funding, we can also help you access and optimise further NIHR support and services.
Fill out our simple contact form. We aim to reply as soon as possible and always within two business days.