SBRI Healthcare Phase 1

SBRI Healthcare Phase 1 sits under SBRI Healthcare, the NHS England challenge programme for pre-commercial innovation. It awards contracts, not grants, to test whether an idea can solve an NHS problem and keep full intellectual property with the company. The contract value goes up to £100,000, typically over about six months, and competitions are themed and launched several times a year. The route accepts UK and EU-registered applicants, including companies, non-profits, universities, and research organisations, while individuals are excluded. The current source snapshot places the programme between cycles, with no open competition listed as of May 2026, so timing matters. Good applications are specific about the NHS challenge, feasible within a short test window, and ready to show evidence rather than hype. Phase 1 is the entry point, so teams need a credible feasibility plan, a clear route to prototype or clinical work, and enough organisational capacity to deliver under procurement rules.

No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Multiple per year.