Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare, an NHS England funded initiative to develop innovative products that address unmet health needs, has launched the latest SBRI Healthcare competition, which aims to accelerate development and NHS adoption of new technologies. In the second tranche of funding this year, a further $4 million is on offer to companies working in priority healthcare areas, including brain injury; child and adolescent mental health; diabetic foot ulcers; imaging; and outpatient services.

SBRI Healthcare works with other healthcare players to identify priority areas where technology can be applied to address major healthcare challenges. The program focuses on clearly identified NHS needs, bringing clinicians and business together at an early stage to harness the expertise of SMEs to develop effective solutions. Successful projects are fully funded through three phases of development—proof-of-concept, product development and delivery in the marketplace.

The competition closes on Dec. 09, with winners announced in March 2015.