The IET and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) are seeking SMEs who have a suitable technology that could help solve some of the current NHchallenges.
Part of the Horizontal Innovation Programme, one SME will be offered support worth up to £35,000 to enable its innovation or product to be commercialised.
The Horizontal Innovation Programme was launched by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) at the beginning of 2016 to capitalise on technology that can be used to solve challenges in other sectors.
According to the IET, the UK healthcare sector is an area that could benefit greatly from technology development in other sectors.
IET president, Naomi Climer explained: “The UK is renowned across the world for creativity and innovation, but we aren’t always so good at commercialising our innovations.
“This is particularly difficult for SMEs who face barriers and challenges at the product development stage including funding, expertise, business processes and technologies.
“Through this programme we are offering one lucky SME the opportunity to gain access to highly skilled engineers and some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing equipment, enabling them to develop and commercialise a technology solution on an industrial scale.”
MTC chief technologist for digital engineering, Jeremy Hadall commented: “Delivering Horizontal Innovation across sectors is very much a key part of MTC’s remit.
“The successful applicant will not only have access to the MTC’s highly skilled engineers, advanced manufacturing equipment and business expertise. but will in the process be delivering a major step forward in the treatment of patients within the healthcare system which will be of benefit to society as a whole.”
The selected applicant will have access to the MTC’s flexible factory capabilities, as well as receiving support in business planning, product design, IP protection and engineering expertise.
Does your innovation fit the bill?
To be considered for the programme, SMEs should submit a proposal that demonstrates how their technology solution can used and commercialised in the healthcare sector, in particular to address the current NHS challenges within emergency care.
The proposal should aim to solve a real-life issue within NHS patient care, which could include anything from initial patient transportation through to recovery.
The programme will be funded 100% by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) up to the value of £35,000 and will run from October 17, 2016 to March 1, 2017
Entries must be received by September 30, 2016.
For more information, visit www.theiet.org/hi-sme
