Deadline: 02-Oct-2025
The NIHR FAST programme, in collaboration with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre Network, is inviting applications to develop technology-assisted workforce solutions aimed at preventing the progression of chronic conditions into multi-morbidity within community, home, and care settings.
This funding opportunity targets innovations that support one or more of three critical healthcare transitions identified as government priorities to reduce long-term strain on the NHS.
The first priority focuses on improving the hospital-to-community transition by developing technologies that enable effective chronic disease management outside acute settings, thereby alleviating workforce pressure. The second priority supports the analogue-to-digital transformation, encouraging digital solutions that replace traditional monitoring methods with more efficient and automated systems. The third priority targets the shift from sickness to prevention by promoting early interventions that stop single chronic conditions from evolving into complex multi-morbidities requiring intensive care.
Funding awards under the FAST September 2025 call range from £50,000 to £100,000 for projects lasting six to twelve months. Eligible lead organisations must be UK-based and can include NHS and social care providers such as Trusts and community care centres, Higher Education Institutions including universities and research institutes, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with up to 250 staff and annual turnover below €50 million, as well as not-for-profit organisations like charities and community interest companies.
This initiative offers a valuable opportunity for innovative organisations to contribute to transforming healthcare delivery through technology, addressing critical needs to improve patient outcomes while supporting workforce sustainability.
For more information, visit National Institute for Health and Care Research.