NIHR i4i Product Development Awards (PDA)

The NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Product Development Awards (PDA) programme is a key funding opportunity aimed at supporting the development of innovative medical technologies, digital health solutions and in vitro diagnostics. The programme focuses on enabling technologies to progress from concept or early-stage development through to a point where they are ready for clinical use or commercialisation.

This is a two-stage funding opportunity, beginning with an outline application. Successful applicants at this stage are then invited to submit a full application, allowing projects to be developed further with stronger evidence, partnerships and impact pathways.

Programme structure and focus

The PDA call includes multiple funding streams, each targeting different priorities within healthcare innovation. Applicants must carefully select the most appropriate stream for their project.

The available opportunities include:

• Researcher-led PDA projects supporting investigator-driven innovation
• Commissioned PDA calls aligned with NIHR NICE priorities
• Projects addressing priorities identified through the James Lind Alliance
• Initiatives focused on shaping the future health and social care workforce

This structure allows the programme to support both bottom-up innovation and targeted solutions addressing national healthcare challenges.

What the programme is looking for

The PDA programme supports projects that demonstrate strong potential for clinical impact and adoption. Successful proposals will combine innovation with clear evidence of feasibility, user need and commercial viability.

Projects should:

• Address a clear healthcare need with a defined patient or system benefit
• Demonstrate technical feasibility and a credible development pathway
• Show strong clinical involvement and stakeholder engagement
• Present a clear route to market, adoption or implementation
• Align with NHS priorities and healthcare system challenges

Applicants are expected to provide a well-developed concept that can progress through development stages towards real-world application.

Application process

The two-stage process allows applicants to refine their proposals and strengthen their case for funding.

The process includes:

• Submission of an outline application
• Assessment and shortlisting by NIHR
• Invitation to submit a full application
• Final funding decision following detailed evaluation

This staged approach ensures that only the most promising and impactful projects progress to full submission.