Awards and funding opportunities
NHS Innovation Accelerator 2027
The NIA is a three-year fellowship programme for innovators with proven healthcare solutions and the ambition to scale their impact across the NHS. For the 2027 intake, there is a particular interest in innovations that can contribute to priorities across access, productivity, modern service frameworks and women's health. Through their partnership with the Alzheimer's Society, there is also interest in evidence-based dementia innovations. Applications close Sunday 27 September 2026. Full details.
Turn growth ideas into a funding opportunity in the Liverpool City Region
ADAPT, a new innovation support programme from LYVA Labs, is designed to help ambitious Liverpool City Region SMEs explore, test and develop new growth opportunities. Successful businesses will receive expert support, a tailored innovation roadmap and up to £15,000 in feasibility funding to validate their ideas. The programme is open to established businesses with a turnover of over £500,000 and at least three employees. Applications close on 30 September 2026. Learn more.
Apply for a place on the invite-only NIHR PDA Launchpad
Expressions of interest are now open for the second NIHR PDA Launchpad, a one-day intensive application support event. Delivered in partnership with the NIHR Research Support Services, the event is designed to help organisations prepare strong applications for the upcoming NIHR Product Development Award (PDA) funding call through practical workshops and access to experts in regulation, health economics and commercialisation. Places are limited to 24 organisations. Attendance is by invitation only, however eligible companies are encouraged to submit a short expression of interest to be considered. Express interest by 4 October to attend the event on 2 November. More details.
Horizon Europe opportunity for UK health and life sciences organisations
Applications are open for the 13th call from the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), a major European funding programme supporting collaborative health innovation projects. Funding is available for consortia working on topics including accelerating healthcare innovation, AI-driven approaches to drug safety testing, and improving understanding of age-related immune diseases. UK organisations remain eligible to participate through Horizon Europe, with funding available for projects ranging from €9 million to €35 million. Short proposal submissions close on 8 October 2026. More details.
Funding for medicines manufacturing data initiative
Are you developing data-driven solutions for medicines manufacturing? Innovate UK is offering up to £500,000 to establish the new Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute (MMDI). The competition is open to UK organisations and collaborations working on projects that can strengthen data capabilities and support innovation across medicines manufacturing. The application deadline is 14 October 2026. Find out more.
British Heart Foundation fund opens to improve cardiovascular care
Applications are now open for the British Heart Foundation Healthcare Implementation Fund Round 7, which supports projects that deliver measurable improvements in services for people with cardiovascular disease. The fund is looking for innovative approaches that can enhance the delivery of care and demonstrate real-world impact for patients. Applications close at midday on 16 November 2026, and a support webinar for applicants will take place on 14 October 2026. Find out more.
Developing technology for earlier cancer detection
Innovate UK is investing up to £25.4 million to support the clinical validation and evaluation of innovative cancer diagnostic technologies and devices. The competition is open to collaborative projects involving businesses, academia and NHS organisations, with a requirement for at least one SME partner. Funding aims to accelerate the development of promising diagnostic innovations that could improve early detection and patient outcomes. Apply by 28 October 2026. Full details.
Explore US and Middle East healthcare markets with support
The Health Innovation Network International Growth Bursary is offering selected health innovators up to £10,000 in financial support towards participation in ABHI's 2027 US or Middle East Accelerator programmes. Alongside funding, successful applicants will gain access to market insight, trade missions, expert guidance and introductions to healthcare leaders and commercial partners to support international growth. The opportunity is aimed at companies already working with two or more Health Innovation Networks and ready to explore overseas markets. The application deadline is 29 October 2026. Learn more.
Funding available for cancer innovation
Are you developing technology that could improve cancer diagnosis, detection or patient outcomes? The SBRI NHS Cancer Programme Innovation Open Call 4 is seeking mature innovations that can help tackle cancer waiting times and improve outcomes across the NHS. Delivered by SBRI Healthcare in partnership with NHS England, the programme offers innovators the opportunity to accelerate adoption of proven technologies within health and care settings. The application process begins on 14 October. Find out more.
Funding for British AI companies to develop and test solutions to major public sector challenges
The UK Government has launched a £100 million competition programme to help British AI companies develop and test solutions to major public sector challenges. Initial opportunities include improving NHS productivity, supporting clinical decision-making, strengthening cyber resilience and advancing AI infrastructure. The scheme is designed to help innovative SMEs and start-ups access funding, prove their technology in real-world settings and accelerate growth. Learn more.
Support for bio-based innovation projects
The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC) is offering funding and support for businesses, researchers and innovators developing new bio-based products, processes and technologies. Opportunities include proof-of-concept projects, collaborative R&D, commercial development and knowledge exchange activities that can help accelerate innovation and growth. More information.
Funding roundups
A range of ongoing funding opportunities and updates are available through national and regional partners. These include regular funding roundups, grant listings and tools designed to help innovators identify relevant opportunities.
If you want to talk to our team about funding opportunities, contact:
Inderjit Singh, Commercial Programme Manager
Steve Adams, Commercial Programme Manager
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