UK Space Agency in £4 Million NHS Funding Initiative

Funding for innovators to turn space technology into medical applications that improve NHS treatment and care.

The UK Space Agency has announced a joint initiative with NHS England in which innovators will bid for money to turn technology originally designed for space into medical applications that improve NHS treatment and care. £4 million of UK Space Agency funding will be made available for up to four applicants to develop their ideas along with support and advice from NHS England and the European Space Agency.

Previous examples of space tech being adapted for NHS use include a pill camera that can be swallowed by patients, dementia tracking slippers, breast screening vans that beam images back to assessment centres, wearable monitors to help prevent falls among the elderly, and apps that help prevent skin cancer.

Emily Gravestock, UK Space Agency head of applications, said:

“Britain’s world-leading space sector continues to grow and support vital public services like the NHS with innovative applications.

“We encourage all businesses and public bodies to consider the role that satellite data can play in tackling some of the biggest challenges we face, as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy.”

For more details of how to get involved in this initiative, contact emily.gravestock@ukspaceagency.gov.uk