Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI)

The third and final round of £3.7M funding from the Mindset Programme - Extended Reality (XR) for Mental Health will open on 28 October 2024. The scope will include: ·      Innovation of a digital mental health therapeutic through the application of Extended Reality (XR) which includes creative technologies - virtual reality, networked technologies, augmented reality, mixed reality, haptics, immersive software, immersive audio, holograms. • Solutions for those living with moderate and severe mental health illness. Specifically, XR interventions that positively improve the impairment, dysfunction and/or distress experienced by those living with mental health difficulties at any point in their life course. Particularly where it has an impact on education, employment and daily life for individuals, families and communities. Grant funding for eligible project costs will be up to 70% for small organisations ; Up to 60% for medium-sized organisations and up to 50% for large organisations More information will be shared over the coming weeks but should you be interested in applying and have questions please contact jane.guest@iuk.ukri.org Jane Guest Innovate UK Innovate UK Northern Ireland Health Innovation Network South London

The HIRANI team are at the (NIMDTA) Northern Ireland Medical & Dental Training Agency clinical education day. Dr Siobhan McGrath, Chief Operations Officer held a workshop discussing the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme which opens for applications on 1st October. Professor Tony Young, the National Clinical lead for Innovation NHS England and Dr Tamsin H. joined virtually to discuss the entrepreneurial programme which has been running in NI for three years. Tony introduced the programme in general and Tamsin discussed her own journey through the programme from starting, to getting advice from her two mentors, to the growth of the programme allowing her to learn from multiple areas within the health service, to make her hearing aids and app better. Find out more at www.nhscep.com

This week we are celebrating 100 editions of our HIRANI weekly newsletter! You can sign up for our newsletter and connect with HIRANI by clicking here: https://linktr.ee/hirani_ #celebrations #connections #ecosystem #health #economy

Calling all FemTech innovators: Health Innovation Network South London’s #AcceleratingFemTech is now open for applications!   This national support programme, partnering with HIRANI and funded by Innovate UK and the Medical Research Council, supports SMEs, university spin-outs and entrepreneurial-minded academics working on early-stage innovations in women's health with: 💡 Insightful workshops from subject experts 🔍 Individual mentoring, from business development to navigating the NHS 💬 Networking, collaboration and peer support 📝 Tailored support to prepare for @innovateuk BioMedical Catalyst   Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of women's health. Applications close at midnight on Sunday 13 October 2024.   Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eY9hN_um   Join the 101 Webinar to engage with members of the programme delivery team directly: https://lnkd.in/eWnrvExa

The NICE - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is holding a free webinar on Wednesday 18 September 2024, 11:30am to 12:30pm. Join to understand:  NICE’s new approach to guidance topic prioritisation  the topics NICE is focusing on over the coming year and why  what this means for healthtech and pharmaceutical companies.  “Our forward view ensures we focus on the areas that matter most to the health and care system. It has important implications for the life sciences sector that you’ll need to consider to ensure smooth planning for your market access journey,” said a NICE spokesperson. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eWaCBEqu A further free online event - reviewing and refining highly specialised technologies criteria will take place on Monday 23 September, 2pm to 2:45pm discussing:  •            plans to refine and revise the routing criteria to determine which topics progress through NICEs highly specialised technologies programme •            how this will impact access to treatments for very rare diseases  •            how you can share your views about NICE plans. Book your free place here: https://lnkd.in/ewKXer8Q

Interested in the Sustainable Medicines Innovation programme? Share in £80 million of funding, join an online networking event today - Wednesday afternoon (11th) to learn more. The event will allow people to network with potential collaborators and identify consortia partners for the Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation programme, deploying up to £80m of funding to support innovation in sustainable manufacturing.  Sign up at https://lnkd.in/ei3zscvM   Further information about the whole programme can be found at https://lnkd.in/eZM3sAE4 Currently the programme has two open competitions: Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing: Expression of interest https://lnkd.in/euMe9ZN9 Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation https://lnkd.in/eqAdGKgu Tomorrows event will be delivered by Innovate UK Discover how driving innovation in sustainable medicine manufacturing supports global net zero commitments. Learn about core pillars: Green Chemistry, Circularity, and Resource Efficiency, plus key enablers like Regulation and Data Standards. Don't miss this chance to engage, ask questions, and network with potential collaborators across the UK! Link: https://lnkd.in/eK7eHsYj #SustainableManufacturing #TMMCoP #Collaboration #Networking #FundingOpportunity

Northern Ireland's life sciences sector now contributes over £1 billion annually to the local economy. This growth isn't just in numbers—it's in the stories of local businesses securing funding and turning ideas into life-changing innovations. Join us at 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 & 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝, in partnership with: British Business Bank and Pioneer Group Discover how to navigate the funding landscape and connect with key players, including Ayokunmi Ajetunmobi, PhD, Director of Venture Development at Pioneer Group. 🗝️ Unlock vital funding insights and learn from the success stories of those transforming health and life sciences. 📅 Tuesday, 24 September 📍 National Football Stadium, Windsor Park, Belfast Secure your spot today—spaces are limited👇 https://lnkd.in/eUm8WT_g

Join the Cardiac Research Group Annual Heart Health Conference - on September 27th at the Great Hall, Queen's University Belfast. This event will mark World Heart Day and will be filled with insightful talks, interactive panels, patient & carer support, and networking opportunities. The conference aims to bring together academics / researchers, patients & carers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest evidence-based advice on improving heart health. Delegates will receive: · Evidence-based advice on improving heart health · Details about the latest cardiac research at QUB · Information from patient & carer-support organisations · An insight into future requirements for cardiac research · An opportunity to join the QUB CRG (PPI group) · A free lunch (sandwiches and fruit) and refreshments (tea / coffee and biscuits / scones) · A health check-up (i.e., blood pressure, weight, and heart rate) and signposting to relevant support services A certificate of attendance will be provided to all delegates (CPD certificates issued to professionals). Places are available at no cost on a first come, first served basis. Previous delegates rated this conference as ‘highly recommended’ and ‘excellent’ across: content; management and delivery; catering; and location. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ecXdMxTB

Belfast company B-Secur, a leader in advanced biosensing technology, has announced the FDA clearance and launch of HeartKey® Rhythm, a suite of electrocardiogram (ECG) algorithms and analytics designed to enhance clinical confidence, streamline industry efficiency, and improve outcomes for cardiac patients.  Powered by B-Secur’s innovative signal processing engine, HeartKey Rhythm enhances signal clarity by reducing noise, delivering high-quality ECG data. Specifically targeted at the ambulatory ECG (AECG) market, HeartKey Rhythm’s rhythm detection algorithms and signal quality indicators allow clinicians to prioritize their interpretation of data and enable more confident detection of actionable cardiac conditions.   “Achieving FDA clearance for our latest product, HeartKey Rhythm, is a monumental step toward helping providers deliver more timely, efficient and preventative care,” said Alan Foreman, CEO and Co-founder of B-Secur. “This marks our second FDA clearance in just four years, highlighting our relentless drive for innovation and commitment to rapidly bringing impactful solutions to the market.  “One person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the U.S., and by 2050, the total cost of CVD is expected to triple, reaching $1.851 trillion*. These figures are frankly alarming and underscore the urgent need for technological solutions that drive efficiencies and enable proactive monitoring.”  Alongside the two concurrent challenges of rising costs and an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease, the healthcare sector also faces another threat – a growing shortage of cardiologists and electrophysiologists. While ECG readings are foundational to cardiac diagnosis and care, they have traditionally been compromised by noise contamination, which limits their usability. Nearly 42% of healthcare professionals say that remote ECGs often require additional testing to confirm results, and 53% find these readings difficult to interpret.  “There is an ever-increasing reliance on ECG data collected outside of a controlled clinical environment,” said Adrian Condon, B-Secur’s CTO and Co-founder. In addition to ambulatory ECG devices (AECG), the rise of consumer wellness wearables, such as smartwatches and rings equipped with ECG capabilities, is generating an influx of data that device manufacturers can use to empower healthcare providers. However, the ability to keep pace with this volume depends on the accuracy and efficiency of ECG interpretation. While HeartKey Rhythm is focused on AECG, B-Secur also offers on-chip solutions designed for consumer wearable devices. B-Secur is backed by Orlando Health, a U.S. hospital and healthcare organization recognized by Fortune as one of America’s Most Innovative Companies in 2024.    Department for the Economy NI Department of Health NI Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Mike Nesbitt

We are excited to announce the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme Prep Application Sessions are happening throughout September, designed to boost your confidence and readiness for the upcoming applications, opening on October 1st, 2024. What to Expect:  Introduction to Key Programmes: Get acquainted with the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and Dementia Innovators Pilot. Expert Guidance: Receive essential advice, tips, and insights to navigate the application process effectively. Interactive Q&A: Engage in valuable Q&A sessions with our experienced team. Session one: Introduction to the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, 9th September, 6pm, Online. Session two: Guide to the application process, 18th September, 6pm, Online. Session three: Application Q&A session, 26th September, 6pm, Online. Session four: Application Q&A session, 9th October, 6pm, Online. Register your place at www.nhscep.com/events You can also join the HIRANI information webinar on 1st October with NI Deputy Chief Medical Officer Lourda Geoghegan here: https://lnkd.in/eZxHJEbV If you are a dentist, doctor, allied health professional or work in any part of the health and social care system or if you are a student working towards an innovative health related idea, join the prep session calls and HIRANI introductory webinar to talk through your idea and apply for the worlds biggest health entrepreneurial programme.