NIHR pilot for health tech SMEs

Getting innovation adopted and implemented into the health and care system is more than just a procurement problem. Devices, diagnostics etc., need to be designed with a broad range of stakeholders in mind. The later such considerations are made, the more likely mistakes will be made in terms of a product being fit for purpose for the market intended.

Together with the Health Innovation Wessex, and with guidance from several key stakeholders across the health care ecosystem, the National Institute for Health and Care Research are conducting research with SMEs to gauge options for consideration regarding a pilot course.
 

The team are considering a funded pilot course to support SMEs at an earlier stage in order to support and 'design in' what is necessary for successful commercialisation in terms of the UK market. The aim is to build a cohort of SMEs that can apply the requirements for adoption and implementation to their idea as it develops into a prototype then product. 

They are looking to talk to UK-based SMEs with an innovation at technology readiness level (TRL) two. Technology readiness levels are a type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology. A technology project is evaluated against the parameters for each technology level and can then be assigned a TRL rating based on the projects progress. There are nine technology readiness levels. One is the lowest and nine is the highest. Level two is normally where a technology concept is formulated, the ‘drawing board’ stage.

In order to be eligible for consideration as part of the expression of interest, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Be an SME with an annual turnover of less than £2 million a year
• Your organisation must have less than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• Been trading for three or more years and already supply to the health and social care sector in terms of medtech / diagnostics / software as a medical device
• Have an innovation at technology readiness level two
• Be interested in being involved in a possible pilot

Please note, the team are happy to talk to larger SMEs, but not with a turnover of over £50 million. They are also happy to talk to SMEs who are currently working in other sectors but may well be looking to supply the health and social care market for the first time.

Please contact Mark Taylor via the link below, for an initial conversation as an expression of interest. 

The deadline is close of play on 10th December 2023 for consideration.