Innovate UK has announced a major new funding drive, offering a share of £20 million to developers creating cutting-edge tools to combat drug and alcohol addiction.
Run on behalf of the Office for Life Sciences, the program aims to fast-track pharmaceutical, digital, and MedTech innovations that can improve recovery rates and prevent overdose deaths across the UK.
Funding and benefits
Successful applicants will receive R&D contracts rather than traditional grants, with individual projects eligible for up to £1.5 million inclusive of VAT.
While pharmaceutical projects are expected to receive the top funding tier, digital and MedTech research projects typically see awards of around £1 million, unless higher costs are explicitly justified.
Beyond the financial investment, winners will gain exclusive access to expert-led education sessions hosted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and NICE. These sessions are designed to help innovators navigate the complex hurdles of regulatory approval and reimbursement, ensuring their products are ready for the UK market.
Application requirements and eligibility
The competition is open to organizations of any size, including international firms, provided they perform the majority of the project work and key deliverables within the UK.
Projects must be ready to commence on October 1, 2026, and can last for a duration of up to 24 months.
To qualify, innovations must target illicit drug or alcohol use and be capable of reaching a high level of technical maturity, specifically Technology Readiness Level 6 or 7, by the end of the contract. Proposals must also include a credible route to market and a comprehensive business model for future commercialization.
A critical component of the application is proof of collaboration; projects must be co-developed with input from treatment providers and individuals with lived experience of addiction.
The program seeks a “portfolio approach,” meaning officials want to fund a diverse range of technologies, target substances, and geographical locations.
Applicants are also required to define clear “SMART” milestones that link directly to their payment schedule. Because the funding is provided through a procurement contract, payments are made monthly in arrears once these agreed milestones are successfully met.
Deadline
The application window is currently open, but prospective developers must act quickly to secure their spot. The competition officially closes at 11:00 am UK time on May 6, 2026, and all submissions must be completed through the Innovation Funding Service portal.
To apply, visit Innovate UK call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
