Call for project definitions: Technology (proof of concept) and clinical evidence projects

Medical Technologies in the Leeds City Region: Driving economic growth, improving health and care – Strength in Places Fund

In July 2018, an expression of interest led by Professor John Fisher was submitted on Medical Technologies in the Leeds City Region: Driving economic growth, improving health and care to UK Research & Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund.  The expression of interest has been awarded early stage funding to develop a full proposal – to be submitted to UK Research and Innovation by 18 September 2019. 

If successful, the programme will attract £18M UKRI funding into the region.  Funding will be available for technology proof of concept projects and clinical evidence projects. 

We are now inviting ideas to define the first 50% of projects to be funded.

All projects must be based on:

  • Collaboration (industry with academia / public health)
  • Co-investment (industry match*)
  • Regional strengths

*30% micro and small companies, 50% medium and large companies (in-kind and direct cash)

Deadline: 17:00 on 21 June 2019

Eligibility: SIPF is a place-based fund. All partners must be based in the Leeds City Region.

Technology (proof of concept) projects

  • Driven by industry needs
  • Responding to global market opportunity
  • Strong academic-commercial relationships
  • Clear clinical drivers, patient benefits

Indicative amount: £100k – £400k per project (including match)

(Pre-CE mark) clinical evidence projects

  • Driven by industry needs
  • Responding to global market opportunity
  • Based on clinical excellence
  • Ensuring patient safety and transparency of information

Up to £1M per project (including match)

If we are successful, SIPF funding will be available at 80% FEC – with 20% contribution from university or public health partner.

Projects can be industry or academic-led.  Industry-led projects should demonstrate a clear product develop strategy supporting company growth.  Academic-led projects should demonstrate underpinning discovery science attracting substantial grant funding.  Collaboration between academics and industry is essential.

Note: While we strongly encourage industry-led projects for both Technology (proof of concept) and Clinical Evidence, companies cannot be awarded funding as part of this programme. For Technology (proof of concept) projects, funds will flow directly to university partners. For Clinical Evidence projects, funds will flow directly to clinical partners.

How to submit a project definition

Deadline: 17:00 on 21 June 2019

You will need to complete and submit the relevant expression of interest form.  IMPORTANT: do not disclose commercially sensitive information at this stage.

Download the POC application form

Download clinical evidence application form

Completed forms should be submitted to: hello@translate-medtech.ac.uk

If you would like to discuss your project prior to submitting an expression of interest, contact: G.Howling@leeds.ac.uk

What happens next?

All expressions of interest will be reviewed to assess whether they fit within the scope of the programme. We will work with companies and academics submitting the most promising expressions of interest to develop full project proposals ahead of the final Strength in Places Fund announcement. These projects will be funded if we are successful in our Strength in Places Fund bid.

If successful, we expect the programme to start in April 2020.