Search commences for innovative solutions to transform cancer screening and diagnosis

UCLPartners is supporting a search for innovations with the ability to transform cancer screening, and facilitate earlier and faster diagnosis. SBRI Healthcare – an NHS England investment fund led by the AHSN Network – invites entrepreneurs to apply for up to £1.1 million investment to develop innovations from 25 July 2017.

Since the early 1990s, UK incidence rates of all cancers have increased by 12%. In 2014, 357,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed. This is the equivalent of 980 new diagnoses every day. This reality means that most of us will face the anxiety of ourselves or a loved one receiving a cancer diagnosis at some point in our lives.

More than half of people receiving a cancer diagnosis will now live ten years or more. But there is much we could do to diagnose earlier, improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

We know that improving the ability to screen for and diagnose cancer faster, using tests that are accessible and minimally invasive, will enhance our already record high survival rates.

Successful applicants can receive up to £100,000 (including VAT) of funding for phase one (feasibility) and up to £1 million (including VAT) for phase two (development) for solutions that match the needs of the NHS.

Dr Amanda Begley, Director of Innovation and Implementation at UCLPartners, said “we’re delighted to be supporting this search and would encourage individuals or organisations with an idea to apply.

“Cancer screening and rapid diagnosis are crucial to people’s chances of recovery from cancer and there is much more that can be done in this area. Within UCLPartners, we are hugely fortunate to have one of the country’s Cancer Vanguards, UCLH Cancer Collaborative, which is leading a national programme on new ways to diagnose cancer earlier. By improving screening and diagnosis, conservative estimates suggest we could help 20% of people diagnosed to survive for 5 years or more from their diagnosis. So please submit with your proposals”

SBRI Healthcare is hosted by Eastern Academic Health Science Network. This competition is being led by Imperial College Health Partners and Greater Manchester Academic Health Science Network.

Briefing Events

The following four briefing events have been scheduled for attendees to receive further details concerning the competition specification, the application process, support available to companies and the opportunity to present questions to the panel. Click on the appropriate links to register your attendance.

London: 25 July 2017 – 12:30 – 15:30pm. BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP

Leeds: 26 July 2017 – 10:00 – 13:00. Horizon Leeds, 2 Brewery Wharf, Kendell Street, Leeds

Nottingham: 26 July 2017 – 09:30 – 13:45. Park Inn Nottingham, 296 Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG5 2BT

Manchester: 27 July – 09:00 – 12:00. Citylabs, Nelson Street, Manchester M13 9NQ

Find out more

For more information and to apply, visit www.sbrihealthcare.co.uk

If you have any questions, you can contact a member of the SBRI Healthcare team on 01223 928040 or via email sbrienquiries@hee.co.uk