€200k funding available through Enterprise Ireland’s Small Business Innovation Research initiative to help develop solutions for a global health issue
What is SBIR?
In 2018, for the first time, the HSE has partnered with Enterprise Ireland to develop technology -enabled solutions to specifically address challenges in the area of diabetes. Our aim is to harness digital innovation to ensure that fewer Irish citizens develop avoidable complications of diabetes, and that those who do receive appropriate care at an earlier stage. The Small Business Innovative Research Programme (SBIR) is categorised under EU law as ‘pre-commercial procurement’ or PCP. Unlike the traditional procurement process, this offers our clinicians an opportunity to identify a healthcare issue and then co-create the solution with the successful firm.
How does it work?
Following selection of the healthcare problem to be addressed, a tender process will result in the awarding of a number of Phase 1 ‘development contracts’. These are intended to show the technical feasibility of the proposed concept. Only those projects that have completed Phase 1 successfully will be eligible for Phase 2. Phase 2 contracts are intended to develop and evaluate prototypes from the more promising technologies in Phase 1.
Tom Kelly, Head of Innovation , Enterprise Ireland said:
‘‘Diabetes has become a serious global health issue which can benefit from innovative solutions to help reduce complications from the disease. Enterprise Ireland is proud to partner with the HSE on our first SBIR health challenge to harness the best in innovation to address a global health problem. We’ve monitored health innovation best practises in UK, and we see huge potential for SBIR to deliver cheaper, smarter, more ‘fit for purpose’ technologies, as has been achieved in the NHS. This is a valuable opportunity for SMEs to win a development contract with the HSE and co-design impactful, commercial solutions with the potential to reach a global market.”
About Enterprise Ireland’s SBIR initiative:
Enterprise Ireland’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) initiative aims to create partnerships between SMEs and public bodies to develop innovative solutions to public needs through competitive challenges. These challenges are co-funded by Enterprise Ireland and the relevant public sector body. Since the first challenges were launched in 2016, the initiative has been gaining traction – 21 challenges are currently running across contracting authorities nationally. See www.enterprise-ireland.com/sbir or follow @sbirireland for further information.
Click here for the link to eTenders.
