Contracts for Innovation in Drug and Alcohol Addiction Healthcare Funding Opportunity

Innovate UK, on behalf of the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), invites organisations to apply for funding to advance innovative solutions in drug and alcohol addiction treatment, recovery, and harm reduction. The AHG Catalysing Innovation Awards provide contracts up to £1.5 million for projects demonstrating market readiness, regulatory pathways, and impactful outcomes in UK healthcare settings. Eligible organisations include businesses, research institutions, and third-sector groups globally, with most project work required to be delivered in the UK.

Overview

The funding aims to support innovation in drug and alcohol addiction healthcare through pharmaceutical, digital, and MedTech solutions. Core objectives include:

• Improving treatment and recovery outcomes

• Reducing harm and deaths associated with substance misuse

• Demonstrating early efficacy and UK market fit

• Establishing clear regulatory approval and certification pathways

• Producing business plans and securing intellectual property

This initiative is part of the AHG Catalysing Innovation Awards scheme, focusing on projects with measurable health and societal impact.

Funding Details

• Total Funding per Project: Up to £1.5 million inclusive of VAT

• Eligible Costs: Typically £200,000–£1.5 million (justified exceptions may be considered)

• Project Duration: Up to 24 months

• Start Date: 1 October 2026

• End Date: 30 September 2028

• Expected Outcomes: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–7, user acceptability, UK market fit, and completed business plan

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organisations include:

• Businesses of any size

• Research organisations and technology institutes

• Charities, social enterprises, and voluntary organisations

• EU, EEA, and international organisations

Eligibility Conditions:

• Majority of project work and key deliverables must be delivered in the UK

• Subcontractors may only be used for specialist expertise

• Applicants may lead projects individually or collaborate with other entities

• Proposals must be submitted to the correct strand of the AHG Catalysing Innovation Awards

Key Project Requirements

• Innovation Type: Pharmaceutical, digital, or MedTech tools targeting addiction treatment or prevention

• Impact Measures: Demonstrable improvement in health outcomes, recovery rates, and reduction in substance-related harm

• Market Readiness: Evidence of user acceptability, UK market fit, and regulatory strategy

• Deliverables: Business plan, intellectual property strategy, and regulatory approval roadmap

How to Apply

1. Identify the Correct Funding Strand: Ensure the project aligns with the AHG Catalysing Innovation Awards’ focus

2. Prepare Project Proposal: Include objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, TRL targets, regulatory and IP strategies, budget, and timeline

3. Submit Proposal: Applications must be submitted through Innovate UK’s official submission platform

4. Collaborate Wisely: Subcontractors may be included for specialist tasks, but the lead organisation must deliver the majority of work in the UK

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects outside the scope of addiction treatment, recovery, or prevention

• Failing to demonstrate UK market applicability and regulatory strategy

• Over-reliance on subcontractors for core project delivery

• Exceeding or underestimating eligible costs without justification

• Missing the submission strand, leading to ineligible proposals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available? Up to £1.5 million inclusive of VAT per project.
2. Who can lead a project? Any eligible organisation of any size, including businesses, research institutions, charities, and social enterprises.
3. Can international organisations apply? Yes, but the majority of project work and key deliverables must be carried out in the UK.
4. What types of projects are supported? Pharmaceutical, digital, and MedTech innovations that improve addiction treatment, recovery, or harm prevention.
5. What are Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) expected? TRL 6 or 7, showing a prototype or demonstration in relevant environments.
6. Can subcontractors perform core project work? No, subcontractors should be used only for specialist expertise; the lead organisation must complete the majority of the work.
7. When do projects start and end? Projects are expected to start on 1 October 2026 and conclude by 30 September 2028.

Conclusion

Innovate UK’s AHG Catalysing Innovation Awards offer a significant funding opportunity for organisations developing cutting-edge solutions for drug and alcohol addiction healthcare. With contracts up to £1.5 million, projects are expected to demonstrate innovation, market readiness, regulatory compliance, and measurable impact, contributing to improved treatment, recovery, and harm reduction in the UK.