Scope

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. 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. This will enable accelerated development of promising medical technologies, in line with recommendations from the Government’s Accelerated Access Review.

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i4i Connect will fund:

• Research and development of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics as defined by the relevant EU regulations, and some non-regulated digital health technologies (i.e some Tier 3a) with a clear patient benefit and for intended NHS use.
• 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 marking 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

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