NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) programme

This funding programme is newly open to Wales-based researchers

The NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme is a translational research funding scheme aimed at medical devices, in vitro diagnostic devices and digital health technologies addressing an existing or emerging health or social care need. Innovations that have demonstrated proof-of-concept and have a clear pathway towards adoption and commercialisation are funded through i4i.

The Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme is funded by the NIHR with specific contributions from Health and Care Research Wales, the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) in Scotland and the HSC R&D Division, Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland.

The i4i programme has three funding streams: 

• Product Development Awards (PDA)
• Challenge Awards 
• Connect. 

PDA and Challenge Awards are run twice a year and Connect is run once a year. 

i4i FAST (Funding At the Speed of Translation) is a funding scheme aimed at innovators in need of a small amount of funding to answer a specific question or to fund a single piece of activity.

More information and how to apply can be found on the National Institute for Health and Care Research website.