Companies invited to bid for £300K fund for new stroke products

Bids are invited from companies across Europe for backing to develop new products to prevent stroke and to assist people who have suffered a stroke. The money is being put up as part of a Small Business Research Initiative (SRBI) by the UK Technology Strategy Board and the National Health Service South East Coast, supported by SEHTA, the South East Health Technology Alliance.

Businesses are now being invited to bid for contracts in support of this initiative. The closing date for applications is the 16th of December 2010, with the awards made available from February 2011.

“£300,000 is now being made available to businesses which are able to demonstrate innovation in several areas in aid of stroke victims as well as the prevention of strokes,” said David Parry, CEO of SEHTA.

There will be a strong emphasis on identifying people with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that often leads onto stroke, enabling remote monitoring and treatment, and support for rehabilitation and recovery for people recovering from a stroke.

The SBRI awards fully-funded development contracts, which are open to all companies registered and operating within the EU. The awards are designed to stimulate new technology, either as a standalone product or underpinning a service.

SBRI is a mechanism for enabling public sector bodies to connect with innovative ideas and technology businesses, to provide new products that meet particular public sector needs. The funding allows for accelerated technology development, whilst risk is reduced through a phased development programme.