Opportunities

Our Innovation Application windows encourage innovation around our themes:

  • Childhood
  • Working Age
  • Older Age

Anyone can enter but we’re particularly interested in projects from schools, colleges, Universities, SMEs and citizen inventors.

The successful applicants can receive funding, access to experts within the RehabHRC or both depending on the identified need. We can provide insight into the MedTech industry and experience bringing ideas to market.  We have a range of skills and experience which will also support the successful applicants in their wider education, career and life goals.

Application Window for Working Age Projects

The Innovation Application process is open Thursday 13th July - Sunday 2nd August for submissions. We invite all eligible applicants with forward-thinking ideas focused on Working Age Adults to review the guidelines and submit their proposals.

Application Window

  • Open: 13th July 2026
  • Closes: 11:59pm, 2nd August 2026

Shortlisting

3rd August 2026 to 23rd August 2026

Applicants will be informed of the outcome the following week.

Panel Date

2nd September 2026

Successful candidate are expected to attend the panel in person.

Application Process

Applications can be submitted on the following link: NIHR Rehab HRC - the system does not enable saving applications in progress, therefore there is a word template that can be used to draft an application: Application Template. The word template can be used to draft an application however, we will only accept applications submitted via the system.

Application Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions are available to support your application. 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or issues submitting your application by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Selection Process

Applications will be scored and ranked by our experts panel. It is anticipated that the top scoring applications will be invited to do a short presentation (10min) based on the scoring fedback and a question-and-answer session at the in-person selection panel (~20min).

The panel will be held face to face in Nottingham, and more information will be provided in due course.

We look forward to hearing about your innovative ideas!