Embedded Files
An online funding workshop for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) trying to get research funding for a health or life sciences innovation. This workshop is geared towards those applying to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) or for Innovate UK funding.
What is the SME workshop?
What is the SME workshop?
A free-to-attend, online masterclass, funded and hosted by the NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) University of Southampton & Partners and the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) – Community Healthcare, supported by the NIHR Research Support Service National Collaborative. The day will include expert advice from the funders, previous successful applicants, funding panel members and RSS and HRC advisers.
Aims:
To help you understand the funding landscape for the health and life sciences industry, and opportunities available for SMEs
To help you understand what is involved and what is expected in a funding application to, for example, NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i)
How to pitch your project in a clear and convincing way so reviewers can see its importance and how you plan to do the work
We have organised this programme to give attendees the information they need to improve the quality of their applications and to make sure that they are focused on what reviewers are looking for.
What’s the format?
What’s the format?
This workshop aims to prepare applicants who are intending to apply for schemes such as the NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) scheme, and Innovate UK’s Biomedical Catalyst. The workshop is held online. Content is delivered through:
Presentations
Panel discussions
Q&A sessions
Optional worksheets and exercises
Who should attend?
Who should attend?
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) applying to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) or for Innovate UK funding.
What topics are covered?
What topics are covered?
Presentations and practical sessions will cover the following topics (and more):
Getting your message across to reviewers quickly and clearly
The Context of Innovation Funding, New Developments & the Funding Process
Building a Team Who Can Deliver
Evidence to Support Your Product’s Development – Competing Technologies, Proof of Concept, Prior Work and Previous Applications
Defining Your Aims and Objectives
Research Plan – Typical Workpackages
Project Planning: Milestones, Deliverables, Gantt Charts and Flow Diagrams
The Importance of Public Involvement and Research Inclusion
Demonstrating the Potential for Impact
How to Write and Pitch an Application
Funding Success Stories
The Industry Ecosystem and Who Can Help
Q&A Panel
Where is it held?
Where is it held?
The masterclass is held online.
How much does it cost?
How much does it cost?
Attending the SME workshop is free.
When is the next SME workshop happening?
When is the next SME workshop happening?
The next SME workshop will take place on 10th February 2026.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse