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Funding opportunities for the life sciences industry

On this page, you will find information about NIHR funding programmes available to life sciences companies and how we can support you to apply.


NIHR funding programmes

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 are structured to address needs in clinical and non-clinical settings.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many NIHR funding programmes may require collaboration with an NHS or academic (Higher Education Institute) partner. Our Industry team can assist you in finding suitable partners for collaborative applications or inform you about alternative funding programmes. You can also explore our other funding programmes in the Funding for researchers section.

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.

NIHR i4i - our flagship funding programme for the life sciences industry 

Invention for Innovation (i4i) is our translational research funding programme for medtech 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 mission of the i4i programme is to advance the development of innovative medical technologies for patient benefit. The programme achieves this by providing a focused source of translational R&D funding and structured support for academics, clinicians and SMEs in the UK.

There are four 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 Challenge Award: Implementation research on technologies which have demonstrated safety and efficacy. 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.

Contact our dedicated Industry team to discuss which scheme is right for you.

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.

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.

I want to talk to someone about i4i funding schemes

Get in touch with our dedicated Industry team to find the right funding scheme for you.

I want to read more about i4i funding schemes

Visit our i4i funding programme page which includes the latest news and advice for applicants.

I have been awarded funding  - what next?

Get in touch with our dedicated Industry team to explore how to optimise all the support that is available.