Trialect

Questions and Answers

Commonly asked questions about this funding opportunity from the host and other attendees.

How does an SBRI competition work?

SBRI enables government departments to connect with technology organisations, finding innovative solutions to specific public sector challenges and needs. It aims to use the power of government procurement to accelerate technology development and/or implementation. SBRI offers an excellent opportunity for businesses, especially early-stage companies, to develop and demonstrate technology. SBRI is a simple structured process and offers different funding options depending on the maturity of the proposed innovation. Phase 1 proposals concentrate on research and development which will significantly contribute to proving the scientific, technical and commercial feasibility of the proposed project. Phase 1 projects are eligible to apply for Phase 2, however the number of proposals funded depends on merit and is subject to budget availability. The principal research and development effort takes place in Phase 2, which aims to produce a well-defined prototype. At the end of Phase 2 it is intended that what has been developed will be manufactured and marketed as a way of fulfilling requirements. SBRI Healthcare Phase 3 is independent from Phases 1 and 2, and a previous SBRI award is not a prerequisite to apply. Phase 3 focuses on the implementation of mature innovations to facilitate adoption by the relevant health or social care providers.

Am I eligible to submit an application to an SBRI Healthcare competition?

Any organisation can submit an application, although it is expected that opportunities presented by SBRI will be particularly attractive for SMEs. Organisations other than industry are expected to present a strong and robust plan for commercialisation. SBRI is aimed at organisations working on the development of an innovative process, material, device, product or service. Successful applications will be those whose innovation best addresses the specific needs identified, with the potential to make a measurable improvement to currently available products, processes, materials, devices or services. Development contracts will be awarded only to individual organisations. However, organisations may wish to demonstrate how collaboration with the relevant partners will enhance their overall development. Work may be subcontracted but this is the responsibility of the main contractor.

I am based outside of England, can I apply?

Applications are accepted from the UK and any country in the European Union, including associated countries for EU Research and Innovation. However, please be aware that projects must show a clear health benefit to the UK. Legal entities from all other countries may be project partners, but cannot be the lead organisation.

Can I work in collaboration with other companies?

Contracts will only be awarded to individual organisations. However, applicants may identify components of the work which they wish to subcontract and may also employ specialist consultants or advisers if they believe this will increase the chances of the project being successful.

Do clinical trial studies need to take place in the UK?

Although this is not an eligibility criterion, it is strongly advised that clinical evaluations are conducted in the UK as the SBRI Healthcare programme acts as a pre-procurement programme and the main objective is to address NHS needs. As such, it is expected that any evidence generated can be translated to demonstrate the innovation’s applicability to be adopted into the NHS.

Is there any flexibility on the project start date?

Successful projects are expected to start by the start date indicated in the outcome letter. To reduce the gap between Phase 1 and 2 awards, we require that all Phase 1 projects start and end at the same time. If the project team is unable to start by the required start date, the alternate start date of Phase 2 and 3 projects must be discussed and agreed with the SBRI Healthcare Programme Management Office.

What is the minimum entry point for a Phase 1 award and what activities are fundable under a Phase 1 award?

Phase 1 awards enable the establishment of the technical merit, feasibility and commercial potential of a proposed technology. While demonstration of proof of concept is not required, the most competitive proposals are those with some data to support the case for further development and illustrate technical feasibility. Project costs can include: • Labour • Materials • Capital equipment • Subcontractors • Travel & subsistence • Indirect costs At the end of Phase 1, projects are expected to have established the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the proposed technology. Examples of exit points include: • Feasibility technical study • Market validation • Business plan developed • Clinical partners identified • Evidence generation plan for adoption • Development of PPIE strategy • Health inequalities impact assessment

How do I submit my application?

All bids should be made using the SBRI Healthcare Programme Management Office Research Management System (RMS) Application Portal. You must create a login using your email address and a password. Please note that all project partners should be invited to the application through the system via email to participate as co-applicants after which they must confirm and approve their participation; the application cannot be submitted without doing so. Details of the challenge and expected outcomes of the projects can be found in the project documents. You are strongly advised to read all published competition documents before completing the application form.

How are applications selected for funding?

Proposals will be reviewed and shortlisted based on the input of a group of selected assessors with the relevant expertise. For Phase 1, shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a video pitch to support their application which is reviewed by a Panel of experts and patient/public representatives. For Phase 3, shortlisted applicants are invited to attend an interview with a Panel of experts and patient/public representatives. For more information on the application and assessment process, please refer to the Invitation to Tender and launch webinar recording.