i4i Product Development Awards: NICE rolling commissioned call

The NIHR i4i Product Development Awards NICE rolling commissioned route (2026/512) supports product-development proposals responding to research recommendations in NICE guidance published or updated during the past five years. It is distinct from NIHR’s separate 2026/514 funding opportunity for technologies already recommended for early NHS use.

Who can apply
UK-based organisations and collaborative research teams may apply where they meet i4i PDA contracting and partner requirements. At least one co-applicant must be based in a different organisation from the lead contracting organisation; suitable partners may include NHS services, universities and technology developers.

What is expected
Applicants need to reference a relevant NICE research recommendation and explain how their proposed innovation addresses it. Projects should combine product development with a convincing evidence-generation plan, including development stage, work packages, patient or service benefits, health-economic considerations and a route to NHS or social care use. The detailed NIHR NICE commissioned specification and general i4i remit determine eligibility.

An outline application is required by 1pm on 2 December 2026. Shortlisted teams will then be invited to a full-application stage.

Funding and timetable
PDA projects run for 24–36 months. Submit through reference 2026/512 and identify the NICE guidance, publication or update date, and the research recommendation being addressed. Invited full applications open on 11 February 2027 and close on 1 April 2027 at 1pm UK time. The general PDA eligibility and financial rules also apply.