News

A total of 26 applications have been reviewed for the Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) Industry Partnered Proof of Concept (PoC) Awards in Regenerative Medical Devices and Medical Devices with Enhanced Regenerative Functions.

The awards scheme, launched in September 2016, was open to all institutions eligible to Research Council funding, with the aim of accelerating and enhancing innovation.

Applications were received across three submission waves. The first round panel review resulted in four projects successfully securing funding. Dr Cheryl Miller of the University of Sheffield has been approved, with a further three subject to taking on-board review panel recommendations.

Dr Miller said “We were delighted to hear that that our project proposal has been recommended for funding, the feedback from the IKC review panel was especially helpful. This project will develop an innovative injectable bone graft substitute to provide enhanced bone tissue regeneration and combat bone infection at the surgical site.  With our commercial partner Ceramisys and IKC’s support, this new medical device will provide both enhanced performance and more reliable clinical outcomes compared with existing products, substantially improving the quality of life for many thousands of people.”

The second round panel review resulted in five projects successfully securing funding. Drs Ifty Ahmed and Laura Sidney both from Nottingham University have been approved for funding and three projects have been approved subject to taking on-board review panel recommendations.

The final panel review meeting will take place in October, six full project applications are expected.

About IKC Proof of Concept awards

All submitted proposals have been co-developed with the IKC Technology Innovation Management team, technology transfer professionals, clinicians and industry partners. All successful proposals will continue to receive IKC Technology Innovation Manager expertise to support the researcher and technology through the next phases of translation and commercialisation.

The application process was conducted in three stages. Applicants submitted an initial expression of interest, then developed a full proposal with the IKC team, which was then reviewed for funding by independent panel assessment of members with expertise in translation, innovation and commercialisation of medical technologies.

The IKC PoC funding supports projects demonstrating close and tangible links with industry and commercial organisations to define both the clinical and market opportunities and develop progression of proposals and technologies.

Awards have been allocated to PoC projects already funded and at Technology readiness level (TRL) 1-2 in order to advance through TRL 3 and 4. The awards will help to prepare for future investment and product development from industry at TRL 5 and beyond.