The programme has been launched by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to capitalise on technology that can be used to solve challenges in other sectors.
The UK healthcare sector is an area that can benefit greatly from technology development in other sectors. The Horizontal Innovation Programme will fund and support a UK technology business in solving some of the current NHS challenges.
“The UK is renowned across the world for creativity and innovation, but we aren’t always so good at commercialising our innovations. This is particularly difficult for SMEs who face barriers and challenges at the product development stage including funding, expertise, business processes and technologies,” said Naomi Climer, IET president. “Through this programme we are offering one lucky SME the opportunity to gain access to highly skilled engineers and some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing equipment, enabling them to develop and commercialise a technology solution on an industrial scale.”
The selected applicant will have access to the MTC’s flexible factory capabilities, as well as receiving support in business planning, product design, IP protection and engineering expertise.
To be considered for the programme, SMEs should submit a proposal that demonstrates how their technology solution can be used and commercialised in the healthcare sector, in particular to address the current NHS challenges within emergency care.The proposal should aim to solve a real-life issue within NHS patient care, which could include anything from initial patient transportation through to recovery.
The closing date for submissions is 30 September 2016 whereupon they will be reviewed by a panel made up of IERT and MTC representatives. All SMEs will be emailed about the outcome of the judging on7 October 2016.
