Following the successful MedTech competition earlier this year, Kidney Research UK has launched a new competition aimed specifically at innovations in dialysis that will have a significant impact on patients’ lives.
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Kidney health
In collaboration with IN-PART’s Discover platform, this year’s competition will encourage scientists, academics, engineers, and technology experts alike to propose new projects that will advance dialysis-related innovations for the benefit of people suffering with kidney disease.
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment but can cause negative side effects and limits patients’ independence. Despite progress made in kidney disease research, 70 years since it was first introduced, dialysis is still a restrictive, gruelling treatment.
The charity is looking for patient-focused innovations in peritoneal or haemodialysis that include but are not limited to, advancing equipment, monitoring, and access to treatments at clinics, in the community and at home; reducing the cost of the treatment; reducing the environmental impacts of the treatment process. As well as the more traditional academic routes of innovation, the charity is also encouraging app and software developers to submit their ideas to challenge for the funding.
Dr Kirsty Frearson, dialysis programme manager at Kidney Research UK, said: “Dialysis is a harsh and gruelling treatment that has a significant impact on the lives of the patient and everyone around them. Introduced to the NHS in the 1950s, the principles and limiting nature of the treatment remain largely unchanged. With the support of engineers, academics, and those at the forefront of technological development, we can bring about meaningful change that will make the differences patients need. These innovations will bring hope to everyone facing dialysis as part of our vision to transform the treatment forever.”
A total of six successful applicants will receive £25,000 to progress their innovations and will be enrolled into a bespoke academy programme worth £5,000. This programme provides innovators with practical knowledge to drive their products forward, identify marketing opportunities and operate as a start-up. Formed of six hours of starter sessions and eight further days of workshops and training, the academy programme offers a unique opportunity for applicants to develop their business skills as well as fund their product research.
Katie Syddall, head of industry partnering at IN-PART said: “The MedTech competition we worked on with Kidney Research UK earlier this year surfaced so many valuable research projects and placed funding with seven academic groups. We’re excited to see what new ideas and research will be presented by our academic community to drive forward developments in the dialysis space.”
Applications for the competition must be completed by Monday 7th November 2022 and submitted by a UK-based lead applicant. To apply, simply register on the IN-PART Discover platform and complete the submission form on the website. For more information about the competition, visit the Discover website.
