Funding for Innovators Creating Digital Tech for Self-isolators

Funding for Innovators Creating Digital Tech for Self-isolators

Funding is being offered to UK technology companies for new digital solutions that can support elderly and vulnerable people who need help while self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak.

The TechForce19 Challenge has been launched to provide funding for innovators who can find digital ways of supporting people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Government believes that new technologies can help the vulnerable, elderly and self-isolating as coronavirus continues to spread.

From an overall programme budget of £500,000, selected companies will receive funding of up to £25,000 to develop or test their COVID-19 solution.

Innovators and technology companies from across the UK may apply. Successful applicants will be selected based on solution feasibility, company credibility, impact and digital maturity.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:

‘We know isolation is not easy – especially for older people, those who live alone, have mental health problems or those who care for others.

‘If people cannot leave the house, we need to quickly find ways to bring support to them and I am calling on the strength of our innovative technology sector to take on this challenge.

‘Techforce19 will mobilise the UK’s incredible reservoir of talent to develop simple, accessible tools that can be rolled out quickly and help tackle the effect of social isolation.’

Applications are made online at the programme website

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2020.

 More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news and policy. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.