Call for Wearable and Sensor technology proposals in new £50,000 innovation funding round

Applications are open for Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) staff to access a £50,000 fund to develop Wearable technology for clinical use.

This call is the latest in a programme of innovation support operated by CMFT’s Research and Innovation Division to build our capability to shape the future of healthcare delivery, working for patients and our local economy. It is funded through the CMFT Charities Innovation Fund.

This call seeks applications to change and improve clinical practice, healthcare delivery and hospital services through the use of connected Wearable and Sensor technologies. Applications will require a CMFT staff member as a lead or as a partner.

The availability of technology that can be embedded in Wearables including the use of smart materials, sensors and user interfaces (apps), is growing rapidly. Technology advances – such as miniaturisation, enhanced connectivity, improved usability, reduced cost, increased reliability and extended battery life – are moving this into mainstream practice.

Wearable technology is commonly used in other sectors such as transport, communications and education, but is now beginning to be used in the delivery of care and helping patients to be more confident in the self-management of their own health and wellbeing. The technology is not only suitable for direct care but can be effective in supporting some of the broader aspects of our operations, including estates and patient experience.

A total of £50,000 is available to support successful applications. There will be further support for continued development of proposals that demonstrate good commercial potential.

The application form is now available online. Alternatively, a downloadable version of the form is available from Fatma Rumash – fatma.rumash@cmft.nhs.uk

The closing date for applications is May 31, 2017 at 5pm.