Collaborate with the NIHR HRC in Diagnostic and Technology Evaluation and North East Innovation Lab for NIHR Invention for Innovation funding.

We are delighted to share that The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) will launch the latest Invention for Innovation (i4i) Funding At the Speed of Translation (FAST) opportunity, on 8 April 2026.

In partnership with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre Network, this competition will support real-world integration of preventive technologies into community care by providing £50,000 to £100,000 funding. Eligible technologies must be at a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5. The application closing date is 29 April 2026.

The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Diagnostic and Technology Evaluation and North East Innovation Lab work closely together to deliver high quality evidence for diagnostics.

We have previously helped innovators successfully apply for i4i funding and can support an application as either a co-applicant, collaborator, or sub-contractor.

How can the NIHR HRC support you?

The NIHR HRC has a highly skilled team of methodologists who efficiently evaluate new diagnostics.

Our support includes:

• Engaging with users to identify the best clinical use and patient population for your diagnostic
• Design and statistical analysis of clinical studies
• Health economics to explore the potential impact of your diagnostic on the healthcare system

We can also help to write the funding application and provide advice including project management and plans for patient and public involvement.

We are particularly interested in receiving enquiries that are looking to address health inequalities within our three clinical themes of:

• Ageing and Multiple Long-Term Conditions
• Infection
• Precision Medicine and Rare Diseases

How can the North East Innovation Lab support you?

The North East Innovation Lab team includes life scientists, methodologists, clinical research nurses and commercial and quality managers. The team offers a range of specialist laboratory expertise including:

• Independent evaluation and validation of diagnostic tests, including assessment of analytical performanc
• Access to clinical samples through a biobank; including stored materials and bespoke collections with their associated meta data
• Access to specialist laboratory space and equipment and clinicians and patients at Newcastle Hospitals

Please get in touch if you are interested in applying to this call with us by 2 April 2026.

This will allow us sufficient time to start developing an application and associated costings with you.

Our e-mail addresses are: nihr.hrc-dxtecheval@newcastle.ac.uk and nuth.enquiries.innovationlab@nhs.net

Visit the NIHR website for more information about NIHR i4i funding

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