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The NIHR i4i Product Development Awards (PDA) support collaborative innovation projects that bridge the gap between laboratory proof-of-concept and clinical or real-world adoption. The goal is to de-risk emerging technologies, making them more attractive for follow-on investment and NHS integration.
Programme Overview
Key Dates
Scope
Projects should target unmet clinical or social care needs and present a clear pathway toward NHS or market adoption. The PDA funds:
Innovations may include medical devices, diagnostics, AI-driven health solutions, or digital health technologies that improve care delivery, safety, and outcomes.
Eligibility
Lead applicants must be UK-based and from one of the following:
Each project must have at least two collaborating organisations, ensuring clinical, academic, and commercial input.
SMEs and NHS bodies can receive up to 100% funding, while HEIs can claim up to 80% of full economic costs.
Examples of Funded Activities
Digital health technologies must align with NICE evidence standards and NHSX DTAC criteria, ensuring effectiveness, safety, and interoperability.
Why Apply
This programme enables innovators to accelerate the development and adoption of transformative healthcare technologies. Whether you’re validating an AI diagnostic tool or trialling a medical device in real-world settings, the i4i PDA offers both funding and credibility to advance toward NHS integration and commercial readiness.
How Inventya Can Help
At Inventya, we specialise in turning healthcare innovation into funded success stories. Our team helps you navigate NIHR’s complex funding landscape through:
From concept validation to real-world evidence, Inventya empowers innovators to deliver technologies that change lives and meet the NHS’s most pressing needs.
