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.

Are there preferences in the type of organisations selected to lead a project?

All applications are assessed based on the quality of the proposal by relevant experts based on the published criteria. Irrespective of the host organisation, all applications are expected to demonstrate that the right expertise is available for the support of the project (e.g., if a trial is included, the involvement of a healthcare provider would be expected) and route to commercialisation.

Do I need to have a clinical partner and do they need to be identified prior to submission?

For Phases 1 and 2, it is strongly advised that clinical partners are identified prior to submission. The most successful applicants demonstrate an existing relationship with a named clinician or similar expert at the time of application. Ideally this will be a named NHS member of staff with whom you have had at least initial discussions about the feasibility of your project. For Phase 3, it is mandatory to have a clinical partner identified and their commitment secured.

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.

Do I need to have obtained SBRI Healthcare Phase 1 and 2 awards to be eligible for Phase 3?

Phase 3 is a standalone and independent competition; thus, previous SBRI awards are not a pre-requisite for Phase 3.

What activities are funded under Phase 3?

Phase 3 projects should concentrate on implementation of the innovation in the relevant setting and collect the evidence that will facilitate subsequent adoption, procurement, or recommendations in official guidance. Activities that would be supported include, but are not limited to: • Implementation studies • Human factors • Technology refinement • Developing a partnership with the relevant NHS, health or social care setting, or other providers. • Health economics and cost benefit analyses • Activities in relation to Intellectual Property, freedom to operate and market analysis • Activities associated with the dissemination of outputs SBRI Healthcare Phase 3 does not support proposals to procure products or services without the intention to generate evidence to support implementation and subsequent adoption.

What is the minimum entry criteria to enter a Phase 3 competition?

Phase 3 competitions are open to innovations that are in the advanced stage of development and demonstrate that they have the following evidence: • UKCA marked or CE-marked with a clear timeline to achieve UKCA. If UKCA, CE-mark or equivalent regulatory approval is not yet obtained, there must be evidence to demonstrate that the innovation is close to obtaining approval and/or a product/solution in use in at least one Trust. • A clear partnership established with the relevant service(s)/site(s) and clinical team(s). • Clinical efficacy and safety demonstrated through clinical trial(s). • For digital solutions, evidence that the technology has passed or close to passing the necessary information governance and cyber security requirements where relevant. Evidence that the NHSX Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) has been considered should be demonstrated in your proposal. In addition to fulfilling the entry criteria, it is expected that the innovation addresses the challenges described in the competition challenge brief.

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.