NIHR Connect 8

Fund details

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. As long as the requirement for proof-of-concept evidence is met, innovations can be at any stage of the translational research and development pathway prior to implementation in the NHS.

Research themes can be in any area of existing or emerging clinical need.

Offering between £50,000 – £150,000 over a 6 – 12 month period, the primary aim of Connect 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 further de-risk projects for follow on investment.

i4i Connect will fund:

-Research and development of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics as defined by the EU Medical Device Directive MDD (please see Regulating Medical Devices in the UK for details). 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. Evidence that the NHSX Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) has been considered should be demonstrated in your proposal.

-Generation of data to support an application to i4i Product Development Awards or any other funding stream.

-All areas of existing or emerging healthcare needs at any stage of the translational research pathway, including but not limited to:

• Product design, manufacturing and scale-up, user requirement assessment
• Intellectual property strategy, including freedom to operate analysis, development of a commercialisation strategy and market analysis, business case development
• Small safety and efficacy studies, including clinical validation/utility studies
• Health economic model development or analyses
• CE/UKCA marking, where applicable, and other regulatory requirements, including any associated preparation for a future clinical investigation application
• Activities associated with the adoption of new technology and any training associated with the implementation of new technology

Please note that the proposed projects should include a Research and Development component. Projects solely focusing on activities outside of these will not be funded, e.g. if the proposed work only involves business case development.

Eligibility

• Lead applicants must be from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Lead applicants must be registered in England
• Projects must be £50,000 – £150,000 in value
• Projects must be 6 – 12 months in duration. Time extensions of active awards will not be considered
• Projects need to have proof-of-concept evidence
• Projects need to address a clearly defined unmet clinical need
• Project start dates must be between 01 May 2023 and 01 July 2023