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SBRI competition: technology-based solutions for patient empowerment and sustainability in kidney care

Frances Mortimer
Frances Mortimer • 9 October 2013

The Department of Health and the National Institute for Health Research Devices for Dignity Healthcare Technology Co-operative (NIHR D4D HTC) are collaborating to launch a new Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition to find innovative technology based solutions in Kidney Care.

The focus of this competition is on technologies that can make a difference to patients over the whole spectrum of kidney disease ranging from earlier diagnosis and prevention through to treatment of advanced stages of kidney failure. An important goal would be to promote patient empowerment and/or sustainable practices throughout the patient care pathway that are in line with national guidelines. 

Solutions could be applicable for use in the home, community or secondary care. Applications would be sought that are applicable to individuals, such as patients and their carers, and/or NHS services. 

The Department of Health is investing up to £3.6 million in this competition, which is expected to run in two phases.

Phase 1 is intended to show the technical feasibility of the proposed concept. The development contracts placed will be for a maximum of 6 months. In Phase 1 we expect to select around 8-12 projects with a total sum of funding available of around £1.2 million. 

Phase 2 contracts are intended to develop and evaluate prototypes or demonstration units from the more promising technologies in Phase 1. Only those projects that have completed Phase 1 successfully will be eligible for Phase 2.

The competition is open to organisations from the private, public and third sectors that can demonstrate a route to market. Entries will be selected by an open competition process primarily on their potential value to the health service and on the improved outcomes delivered to patients.

The competition opens on 4 October 2013. The deadline for applications is noon on 25 November 2013. 

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