NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Product Development Awards (PDA)

The i4i Product Development Awards (PDA) support collaborative research and development (R&D) of medical devices, in vitro diagnostic devices and high-impact patient-focused digital health technologies for use in the NHS or social care systems.

The PDA are researcher-led and support early product development and real-world evaluation. The expected focus of a project funded by the PDA is one or more of the following:

• Product development required to enable technologies for clinical use or use in social care
• Clinical development of a laboratory-validated technology
• Real-world evaluations to accelerate the development and uptake of innovative products, which have already demonstrated safety and efficacy

Essential requirements for the PDA:

• Any R&D activities must be within the scope of the funding programme (more information can be found on the i4i webpage).
• A minimum of two organisations must be involved.
• Lead applicants must be based in the UK.
• Work packages must not include animal studies.
• Projects must have progressed beyond fundamental research and have demonstrated proof-of-concept.

Key eligibility criteria

• Entry point: Experimental proof-of-concept or laboratory-validated technology; innovations focusing on real-world evidence generation must have regulatory approval or demonstrated equivalent safety and efficacy.
• Exit point: Determined based on the entry point and may involve laboratory and/or clinically validated technology, or performance of technologies evaluated in a real-world setting.
• How much: No maximum; ambitious projects with the potential to make a real impact are encouraged. There is no upper funding limit for PDAs, but costs must be fully justified. SMEs and NHS organisations may receive up to 100% of the requested funding, with no requirement for matched funding for commercial organisations. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are entitled to up to 80% of the full economic costs.
• How long: Up to 36 months.
• Applicant eligibility: HEI, SME, NHS or social care provider, not-for-profit organisation registered in England.
• Minimum number of co-applicants: Two.