Translational Support

Early Stage Research Funding
Confidence in Concept (CiC) awards are intended to accelerate the transition from discovery research to translational development projects by supporting preliminary work or feasibility studies to establish the viability of an approach.

Through its CiC fund, HTAF supports the development of medical technologies intended to address problems across a range of clinical areas, and for use in both high income territories and low and middle income countries (LMICs). Projects funded through the HTAF MRC CiC typically last between 6-12 months, and can receive up to £100k at 80% FEC. Projects should be milestone led, with clear measurable objectives.

As well as funding early-stage technical work, HTAF also provides all selected projects with an intensive bespoke package of translational support aimed at de-risking the downstream developmental pathway, accelerating the route to market, and increasing the chance of technology adoption. Translational support is provided through HTAF’s internal expertise and via its diverse external network of industry-experts, all of whom have proven track records in successful commercialisation, and aims to bring clinical benefit to those that need it most.

HTAF envisages that supported teams utilise funding to gain confidence in both the scientific and commercial aspects of the technology being developed. In addition to advancing the development of a specific piece of technology, HTAF seeks to develop individuals and project teams, mentoring them in entrepreneurship and product development and embedding a translational mindset.  

HTAF CiC Funding is not intended to support:

  • Entire translational projects
  • Administration costs
  • Industrial partner costs
  • Staff between posts/funding
  • PhD studentships
  • Continuation of normal research grants
  • Intellectual Property filing/maintenance costs
  • Staff exchange into a spin-out company of the host institution
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