Simplifying NIHR Funding for Health and Science Startups
Looking to unlock National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funding for your research or innovation project? You’re in the right place. At GrantUp, we help researchers, clinicians, and health innovators like you win the funding that powers breakthroughs. No fluff. No jargon. Just clear, effective support that gets results.
This page is built for one reason: to help you secure NIHR funding without the stress. If you’re tired of wasting time, confused by funding options, or struggling to turn your ideas into winning applications, we can fix that. GrantUp has helped secure over £125 million in non-dilutive funding, and NIHR is our home turf.
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What Is NIHR Funding and How Can It Support Your Business?
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is a key government body providing funding to improve health outcomes in the UK. Unlike NIH funding in the US, NIHR grants are specifically designed for UK organisations.
NIHR supports early-stage ideas through to implementation, giving startups the opportunity to:
- Validate technologies through clinical studies
- Collaborate with NHS bodies and research institutions
- Scale solutions that make a measurable difference to patient care
Funding mechanisms include:
- NIHR programme grants
- NIHR programme development grants
- NIHR research grants
Each one addresses a specific stage of development, from early feasibility to system-wide adoption.
Who Can Apply for NIHR Grants?
You don’t need to be a professor at a top university to qualify. NIHR grants are open to:
If your work improves health, supports patients, or strengthens care systems, there’s likely an NIHR funding opportunity for you.
NIHR Funding Programmes at a Glance
Programme Name | Focus Area | Funding Amount | Eligible Applicants | Application Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) | NHS-led, patient-centred applied research | Up to ÂŁ500,000 | NHS Trusts, universities, research units | 3 per year |
NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) | MedTech, diagnostics, and digital health | Up to ÂŁ1 million+ | SMEs, NHS orgs, academics | Rolling and themed calls |
NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR) | Large-scale health and care research | £2–2.5 million | NHS/university collaborations | 2–3 rounds annually |
NIHR Fellowship Programmes | Career development for researchers | Varies by level | Early to mid-career researchers | Annual |
NIHR Policy Research Programme (PRP) | Health and social care policy | Variable | Academic and policy research units | Regular thematic calls |
Is Your Startup Aligned with NIHR Funding Criteria?
Equity is expensive. Giving away shares too early can lead to reduced ownership, fewer options in future rounds, and less control over your company’s trajectory.
Popular NIHR Funding Opportunities You Should Know About
Let’s break down the key types of NIHR grants so you can spot the one that fits your goals:
NIHR Programme Grants
These are big grants for major projects with national impact. Perfect for long-term research that changes how care is delivered.
NIHR Programme Development Grants
Smaller but mighty. Use this to prepare for a full programme grant pilot studies, team building, or refining your research design.
NIHR Research Grants
Flexible funding that covers health and care research across a wide range of disciplines. Includes early-stage and late-stage research.
NIHR Grants for Patient Clinical Research
Focuses on direct work with patients clinical trials, real-world testing, or improving hospital care delivery.
If you’ve seen terms like "nihr programme development grants" or "nihr grants patient clinical" in funding portals and weren’t sure where to start, this is your sign to explore them further with expert help.
NIHR vs NIH Funding – What’s the Difference?
NIHR is UK-based. NIH is from the United States. Both are leaders in health funding, but they serve different regions and have different rules.
NIHR funding focuses on UK health and care systems. NIH funding supports US-based or global health research. If your work is based in the UK, NIHR is the more accessible and relevant route but we can support applications for both.
Work with GrantUp vs others
Feature | GrantUp | Other UK Providers | Generic Freelancers |
|---|---|---|---|
Full-time team of professional grant writers |  | |  |
Academic-level proposal drafting | | | |
End-to-end support including submission | | | |
Deep knowledge of UK & EU funding (e.g. Innovate UK) | | | |
Support with multiple applications annually | | | |
Custom templates, platform & internal tools | | | |
Financial modelling & supporting documentation | | | |
How Can NIHR Funding Be Used?
Depending on the grant, NIHR funding can cover:
Research staff salaries
Patient engagement
Equipment and materials
Clinical studies
Public outreach and dissemination
Collaborations across NHS or university teams
It’s not just about funding science it’s about enabling better patient outcomes and smarter services.
What Makes a Winning NIHR Application?
Depending on the granMost applications fail because they’re too vague, too technical, or not aligned with NIHR’s goals. We make sure you:t, NIHR funding can cover:
If you want funding, you need more than a good idea. You need a great case. That’s where we come in.
GrantUp: Your Partner for NIHR Success
We’re not just writers we’re strategic partners.
GrantUp works alongside you to:
- Find the right NIHR grants for your stage and sector
- Craft a compelling, funder-aligned application
- Navigate complex guidelines and deadlines
- Polish your narrative so reviewers say yes
We work with:
- Academic researchers applying for major NIHR programme grants
- Early-stage health startups looking for non-dilutive funding
- NHS teams with frontline innovation projects
- Charities developing clinical trials or public health initiatives
We know the language. We know the process. And we know what works.
Why Work With a Professional Grant Writer?
Think of us as your behind-the-scenes growth team. You bring the vision we bring the clarity, structure, and polish that moves your application from the bottom of the pile to the top.
You’ll save time, reduce stress, and dramatically increase your odds of success.
We’re honest about what’s possible, proactive about deadlines, and laser-focused on helping you win.
Ready to Win NIHR Funding?
Book a Free Consultation
We’ve helped secure over £125 million in funding and we’re ready to help you next.
NIHR funding is within reach. Let’s make it happen.
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FAQs
What is NIHR funding?
Government funding for health and care-related research, awarded to organisations working to improve patient outcomes.
How is NIHR different from NIH?
NIHR is a UK body. NIH (National Institutes of Health) is based in the United States.
Can my company apply?
If you are a UK-based organisation working in health, medtech, digital health, or social care, you may be eligible. We can help assess your fit.
Is this funding equity-free?
Yes. NIHR grants are non-dilutive and do not require you to give up ownership in your business.
How is the NIHR funded?
The UK Department of Health and Social Care funds the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Its budget comes from public money and is used to support health and social care research that benefits patients and the NHS.
Who is eligible for MRC funding?
The Medical Research Council (MRC) offers funding to UK-based researchers, universities, research institutes, and sometimes industry partners. You’ll need a strong scientific proposal focused on medical or health-related research, and most schemes require applicants to be based at an eligible research organisation.
How much funding does UKRI get?
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) receives several billion pounds annually from the UK government. For example, in recent years, UKRI has managed budgets exceeding ÂŁ8 billion to support research and innovation across science, engineering, health, arts, and humanities.
What are the four types of research funding?
The main types of research funding are:
- Grants – non-repayable funds for research projects.
- Fellowships – funding awarded to individuals to support their research career.
- Contracts – funding provided for specific, often pre-defined research work.
- Studentships – funding to support postgraduate research training.
What is an NIH R21 grant?
An NIH R21 grant is a type of research grant offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US. It supports early-stage, exploratory, or high-risk projects that could lead to breakthroughs. The grant provides up to two years of funding and is ideal for testing new ideas or concepts.
What are the 4 main types of research?
The four main types of research are:
- Basic research – to expand knowledge without a specific application in mind.
- Applied research – aimed at solving practical problems.
- Translational research – turning lab discoveries into real-world solutions.
- Clinical research – studying how treatments work in people.
Got a life-changing health innovation? Let’s get it funded.
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Book a Free Consultation Call Today
Whether you're working on clinical trials, medtech, or life sciences research — we’ll help you navigate NIHR funding and take the stress out of your application.