The Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme funds collaborative projects between NHS, academia, and industry to advance healthcare technologies and benefit patients. It aims to guide innovative medical technologies through development. Projects can last up to 3 years and receive between £170k to £1.9 million in funding. Since 2010, over 100 projects have been funded totaling over £71 million. The application process involves a two-stage peer review and selection criteria focus on technology innovation, health benefits, and commercialization potential.

1. Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme
Martin Hunt & Jo Braganza
7 Nov 2014

2. To advance the translation of healthcare technologies for increased patient benefit through guided progression of innovative medical technologies.
Programme objectives

3. Types of projects
A low-cost non-invasive visual aid for severely sight-impaired individuals
Next Generation Mobile HIV Diagnostics with Wireless Connectivity

4. Types of projects
Stroke reduction via improved opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation - An evaluation of the clinical and economic benefits of the RapidRhythm device within primary care

5. Facts and Figures
•Funding: £4 million in 2006/07; £20 million in 2014/15
•Projects last up to 3 years
•Current awards range from £170k up to £1.9 million but no formal limit
•Since 2010, 102 projects recommended for funding, totalling £71,454,794

6. Project team eligibility
•Must be collaborative - Minimum of two organisations
•NHS Trust, Higher Education Institution or industry
•SMEs are particularly welcome
•Lead applicants must be based in England or Wales only

7. 3 key points...
•The benefits to patients and the NHS must be clearly articulated
•Applications must show a high degree of technological innovation
•The project team must contain the appropriate expertise for the work to be undertaken.

8. Application process
Stage 1
•Sift for eligibility
•Assessed by Panel members
Sub-Panel
•Includes Programme Director, Chairs and Deputy Chairs
•Shortlist to invite to Stage 2
Stage 2
•Peer review, including lay review
•Due diligence begins
Panel
•Risk friendly, multidisciplinary Panel
•Presentations and Q&A

9. Selection criteria
•Demonstrable evidence that a novel technology or intervention will be the ultimate output of the research and will deliver benefits to patients
•Relevance of the research topic to the needs of the NHS and patients
•Strength of the research / management team
•The degree of technological innovation and the case for further development
•The health economic case
•The strength of the overall business/commercialisation plan
•The quality of the outline and full applications

10. 2014 Calls – key dates
9th call for i4i Product Development Awards
Call opens November 2014
4th call for i4i Challenge Awards
Call opens November 2014

11. Beyond the Panel
•Due diligence
–Includes understanding IP position
–Aimed at encouraging success
•Project milestones
–All projects are contracted against milestones
–Agreed with project team and CCF
•Monitoring
–Active monitoring against milestones
–Regular technical & financial reporting
–Site visits, advice, RSGs, IPMG

12. Website: www.i4i.nihr.ac.uk
Email: i4i.programme@nihr-ccf.org.uk
Tel: 020 8843 8015
NIHR CCF (i4i), Grange House, 15 Church Street, Twickenham, TW1 3NL
Contact details