The NHS Cancer Programme is launching an open call for innovation in cancer care, on 5 April 2022
This competition is developed and led by the NHS Cancer Programme to bring new and existing cancer care innovations to the NHS frontline, and it is supported by SBRI Healthcare and the NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative.
The goal is to ensure a practical translation of leading research and innovation to benefit patients by improving early cancer detection and diagnosis. Applications are welcomed for innovative, creative and future proof ideas across medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, digital health solutions, behaviour intervention, software, artificial intelligence, and new models of care.
The call supports the ambitions in the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP), which was published in January 2019. It sets out stretching ambitions and commitments to improve cancer outcomes and services in England over the next ten years.
The key ambitions in the NHS LTP for cancer are:
* by 2028, 55,000 more people each year will survive their cancer for five years or more; and
* by 2028, 75% of people with cancer will be diagnosed at an early stage (stage one or two)
An online briefing for the challenge, including the application and assessment process will be held on Thursday, 24 February 2022, 2:30pm.
The event will be chaired by Professor Richard Gilbertson (Chair, NHS Cancer Programme Innovation Expert Advisory Group) and Professor Peter Johnson (Clinical Director of the NHS Cancer Programme) will introduce the clinical challenges currently presenting themselves in the cancer world.
Successful applicants may use this opportunity to gather evidence required by commissioners and regulators to make purchasing or recommendation decisions for future business. There will also be the opportunity to enable rapid national deployment/uptake of the product. The contracts awarded will be for a maximum of 18 months for up to £4million (NET), subject to justification.
In addition, a virtual match-making event will be hosted on the 24th of March, to allow innovators to make connections with Cancer Alliances and AHSNs.
For further details of the competition, eligibility criteria, and the application and assessment process, please refer to the relevant documents on the competition page.