How we support innovators

  • Broader technology focus
  • Strategic alignment with NHS priorities
  • Full lifecycle support from research translation to NHS adoption
  • Coordination with wider NIHR infrastructure
  • Tailored support for industry, with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
  • Regulatory readiness, delivered in partnership with UK regulatory bodies

We combine NHS clinical leadership, academic rigour, and industry insight to support technologies from early development through to NHS adoption, leveraging the full range of the NIHR’s research infrastructure.

We conduct robust investigations to provide real world evidence that demonstrates the economic value and public benefit for the NHS and its patients.

Patients and the public are partners in our work, shaping research and product development from initial conception through to adoption.

We partner with industry, universities, NHS organisations and patient groups to translate innovation into care.

We work closely with regulatory bodies including The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and industry associations including The Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) and The British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA), to ensure our support aligns with regulatory requirements and industry needs.

We support innovators to apply for funding to provide the necessary capital to continue product development, and ensure they can generate the evidence necessary to apply for regulatory approvals.