The UKRI Missions Accelerator Programme is a pioneering initiative designed to fast-track the development and adoption of innovative technologies and services that address critical Government missions.
Under this initiative, the NHS Fit for the Future R&D Missions Accelerator, will offer a coordinated framework to support and enable the progression of innovative technologies in priority areas for the NHS, starting with dementia diagnosis and progression.
Dementia Patient Flow R&I challenge
Develop, validate and implement innovations for the NHS and wider social care setting that improve diagnosis of persons with dementia and optimise prognostication, such that by 2029 that 92% of patients referred for dementia assessment receive a diagnosis within 18 weeks of referral.
Through the R&D Mission Accelerator Programme, UKRI will challenge the UK research and innovation community to identify and develop innovations, clinically validate them and, working with the health and care system, support their uptake into the NHS and wider social care setting
Our programme
Through targeted funding, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships, the accelerator will enable the development of clinically aligned, commercially viable and affordable innovations that will transform how care is delivered and contribute to UK economic growth.
Participants choose the support stream that best matches their stage of development, whether they are exploring a concept, building a product, or ready to trial in clinical settings. The programme helps innovators overcome barriers to market entry, supports progression across TRLs, and ensures every solution is designed with end-user adoption in mind.
All projects applying to this accelerator must be developing technology or services that, if adopted, offer the potential to shorten the time to diagnosis of persons with dementia and enhance early detection of clinical change following diagnosis, with the ultimate downstream goal of reducing acute care utilisation.
Applicants should ensure that proposed solutions are scalable and affordable for the NHS, and should be coupled to community-based diagnosis, monitoring and treatment approaches for preventative care.
Through NHS Fit for the Future Missions R&D Accelerator, applicants will have the chance to apply for one of three support packages:
- Collaborative R&D
- Business Incubation
- Implementation and adoption support
Collaborative R&D Stream
The Collaborative R&D stream will help businesses de-risk new technologies, or adapt and scale existing technology or capability, in a proof-of-concept project.
We offer up to £45k funding and support for up to 3-months to help businesses collaborate with partners, and accelerate the development of a technology, product, process or service towards commercial application.
Business Incubation Stream
The Business Incubation Stream has been designed to help early-stage ventures refine their solutions and prepare for market launch.
We offer an 18-month programme designed to support post-proof-of-concept startups in developing their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and building an investable business.
The support package includes:
- £70k MVP development funding
- £10k technical voucher
- Access to specialist facilities
- tailored technical and commercial support
- expert coaching
Implementation and Adoption Support Stream
The Implementation and Adoption Support Stream has been designed for organisations with a validated product or service; this stream enables wider testing in a population or clinical setting and real-world validation to develop the compelling evidence needed for scaling into the NHS and preparation of a business case for NHS procurement.
We offer funding, bespoke advice, access to networks and support mechanisms to help innovators partner with the NHS and wider care providers to support adoption and scale up.
The support package includes:
- £15k grant funding to cover company direct costs
- £60k vouchers to support implementation and adoption
Interested in applying?
Application deadline is 23:59 on Thursday 27 November 2025.
To apply for Stream 1, please email NHSMissions@stfc.ac.uk to request an application pack. To apply for Stream 2 please complete this form. To apply for Stream 3 please complete this form.
If you are unsure which stream will be most suitable for you, please email NHSMissions@stfc.ac.uk and a member of the call management team will be in touch to discuss your options. Contact with the team is also encouraged prior to all application submissions.
The NHS Fit for the Future R&D Missions Accelerator is delivered by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, part of UK Research and Innovation.
Credits:
Created with images by Nick Beer - "Seating and information material can be seen in the room.,Shallow focus of a typical NHS hospital waiting room sign seen in a British hospital." • peopleimages.com - "Medic, hospital and reading article, data or health magazine on web, while working with technology in healthcare center or clinic,Doctor, office and tablet for research, email or communication." • peopleimages.com - "Employees, collaboration and technology for research, discussion and digital analysis,Science, teamwork and scientist with tablet in laboratory for communication, pharmaceutical review or planning." • Monkey Business - "British nurse taking senior man's blood pressure"