The NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Funding At the Speed of Translation (FAST) programme, in partnership with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Paediatrics and Child Health are seeking applications for research into the development of health technologies to reduce community and hospital waiting lists for children and young people, including those with learning disabilities, seeking mental healthcare or neurodevelopmental assessment.
Technologies addressing one or more of the following areas are considered in scope:
- Reduce waiting times: Develop technologies that expedite accurate assessment and diagnosis of children and young people with mental health needs and neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Enhance early detection: Implement tools that facilitate the early identification and assessment of mental health issues and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Improve access to care: Create platforms that connect patients and families with professionals across health, education and social care.
- Speed up treatment time: Develop and implement more effective tools and interventions that can be delivered in fewer sessions and/or speed up recovery time.
- Support young people, caregivers and families: Provide resources and tools to help young people, their families and caregivers navigate the health, education and social care system, as well as manage challenges at home and other settings (e.g. nursery, school, college).
The lead organisation must be based in the UK and must be one of the eligible organisations listed below:
- Higher education institutions (including universities and research institutes).
- NHS and social care service providers (including Trusts, primary care and community care providers, and tertiary care centres).
- Not-for-profit organisations (including charities and community interest companies).
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a staff headcount no greater than 250 and annual turnover no greater than €50 million. This includes start-up or spin-out companies.
Closing date: 1pm, 16 April 2025