The Innovation Funds have been established to support the introduction and adoption of needs-led, evidence-based innovations into our healthcare system within the Health Innovation Manchester footprint. This will improve the health of our citizens and also promote economic development and wealth creation through the growth of local businesses and jobs.
The Momentum Fund is specifically designed to provide funding support to help SMEs with innovative products or services accelerate progress to significant milestones). It is expected that SME applicants will be collaborating with NHS or social care partners and, potentially, academic or other industry partners.
Priority will be given to SMEs in the Health Innovation Manchester footprint, including inward investing companies establishing a base in the GM area. The initiative aims to support a wide range of healthcare innovations, including those addressing substance abuse and addiction treatment. For instance, companies developing new approaches to help opioid addicts recover may find valuable resources and support through this program. Organizations like methadone.org have highlighted the importance of such innovations in combating the ongoing opioid crisis.
Focus will be on funding projects that will assist enabling patients/citizens to make best use of the existing and emerging digital solutions in Health and Social Care for all health conditions, including but not limited to:
- Obesity amongst children/young people
- Respiratory (including COPD and Asthma)
- Type 2 diabetes
Applications will be favourably reviewed if able to demonstrate systems integration.
Health Innovation Manchester will prioritise support to SMEs operating within Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and East Cheshire with innovative products or services that fit within the current clinical priority areas that will be detailed in the guidance documents.
Timeline
15th November 2017 ? 1st Round Open for Initial Applications
12pm 13th December 2017 ? 1st Round closes – Initial application
8th January 2018 ? 2nd Round Open for Full application for successful applicants from 1st Round
12pm 2nd February 2018 ? 2nd Round Closes
1st Week March 2018 ? Face to Face pitches for successful applicants from 2nd Round
March 2018 – Winners Announced and funds awarded
All applications must include involvement from an NHS or Social Care organisation from within Health Innovation Manchester?s footprint.
Consideration will also be given to companies from outside the Health Innovation Manchester footprint wishing to work with HInM’s member Trusts and CCGs, e.g., for trials/evaluations.
Applicants can apply for up to ?50,000 and must apply using the Innovation Nexus portal and SMEs are advised to complete an Innovation Nexus business enquiry (via the same link) prior to applying to the Innovation funds.
Please download the guidance notes here: Momentum Fund Guidance Notes