Funding for life and health sciences innovators in NI
Round 1 of NI Launchpad has closed. Round 2 is open until 11 December 2024.
Innovate UK has announced a wave of 'New Innovators' competitions to build targeted innovation clusters across the UK.
One of these competitions is inviting small businesses to apply for funding for innovation projects that will grow the life and health sciences cluster in Northern Ireland.
Innovate UK is working with Invest Northern Ireland on delivering this competition with £1.5 million in funding from the Launchpad programme.
Grants of up to £50,000 are available for projects that focus on one or more of the following:
- diagnostics
- therapeutics
- biomarkers
- data, digital and medical devices, including for healthcare delivery planning
- technologies that support the supply chain for life and health sciences
This list is not exhaustive. Where you can show that your proposal fits within this competition's scope, you can focus on other themes.
In addition to the grant support, if your application is successful, you will get tailored business support from local business innovation experts and Innovate UK Business Growth.
'New Innovators' is only for micro and small businesses that have not previously received Innovate UK funding.
Ideas should have a clear route to commercialisation and business growth. Projects should result in ground-breaking products or services, innovative use of existing solutions, or new or innovative business models.
In your application, you need to show to Innovate UK that you:
- have a great idea
- need public funding
- have the capability to deliver the project
- will deliver the project
Your project must use the funding to help grow innovation activities in the Northern Ireland life and health sciences cluster, both during and after the project.
The deadline for applications is 11am on Wednesday 19 June 2024.
Find out more about this 'New Innovators' competition.
For more information, watch a recorded online briefing or register to join a Q&A session on Tuesday 14 May 2024.
You can also join experts from the Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland at a support clinic to discuss potential application bids. Register your interest to join the support clinic by emailing info@hira-ni.com.
First published 8 May 2024