UK health leaders have put out a global call to attract innovators wishing to trial new technologies, digital services or other ideas that could improve healthcare delivery in the country.
NHS England and the UK Government are hoping to tap into global talent for the NHS Test Bed Programme, calling for “expressions of interest” from innovators from any sector with ideas to improve health services “at scale and in a real clinical setting”.
Successful bids will need to clearly show benefit to patients, as well as how they will reduce inefficiency and provide wider financial benefits to the NHS and the UK economy.
Working closely with the 15 Academic Health Science Networks across the country, the programme will identify around five ‘test beds’ for implementing “high potential innovations that respond to local clinical needs”, NHS England said.
The move stems from the NHS’ Five Year Forward View, which strives to accelerate innovation in the delivery of healthcare.
The application process closes on May 29.