New NIHR Innovation Catalyst funding opportunity opens for health innovators

8 June 2026

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has launched the Innovation Catalyst, a pilot initiative designed to support the progression of innovations from development and testing through to real-world evidence generation.

The programme brings together research funding, specialist support and national infrastructure to help innovators address delivery challenges and accelerate progress towards adoption readiness. Through milestone-driven funding and a connected community, the Innovation Catalyst aims to support seamless transitions between projects while enabling researchers to share learning and build capacity.

The Innovation Catalyst is open to UK-based organisations, including NHS and social care providers, higher education institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and not-for-profit organisations. Applications must be led by a UK organisation and involve collaboration between at least two organisations.

Applications for the pilot programme open on 9 June 2026 at 1pm.

Further information about the Innovation Catalyst, including eligibility and application guidance, is available on the NIHR website.