Proof of Feasibility funding supports projects moving from market validation to technical demonstration.
Use these funds in initial prototype development and testing, and in activities that will help ensure the technology meets user requirements from the outset.
Engagement with diverse patient or user groups, representative of the whole population, is strongly encouraged to drive inclusive application of your technology.
Review these criteria carefully before beginning your application. Projects must meet all eligibility requirements to progress to full assessment.
Proof of Feasibility projects must evidence relevant, up-to-date market validation and a clear understanding of clinical / user needs in order to be eligible.
Prototype development and iteration, technical studies e.g. early biocompatibility screening, material characterisation etc, patient / user engagement and gathering of feedback in relevant settings
Applications follow a two-stage process. Round 5 funding is now open for applications, as follows:
First, submit an Intention to Submit form by 16 March 2026. This brief form (approximately 10 minutes to complete) allows for early engagement and enables the review process. Everyone who completes an Intention to Submit by the deadline is eligible to move to full application.
You will receive an application reference number from us in response to your completed Intention to Submit. Use this reference number when submitting your full application.
Your full application must be submitted by 5pm on Fri 17 April 2026.
We use one standard application form for Proof of Market and Proof of Feasibility applications – download the application form and guidance document below. These provide detailed instructions on completing each section.
Allow adequate time to develop your technical approach and engage with potential partners before the deadline.
Further guidance is also available in our webinar recordings hosted on our YouTube channel.
We will be running further impact funding rounds during summer and autumn 2026. Please complete our contact form to register for updates if you’re interested in later rounds.
Comprehensive guidance covering eligibility and application requirements. Please ensure you review this in full before making your application.
Required first step for all applicants. Complete this form by 16 March. You will receive an application reference number in response, which is needed for your full application.
Detailed application form to be completed and submitted by 5pm on 17 April 2026. Requires the application reference number you received in response to your Intention to Submit
Visit our YouTube channel to review previous information sessions and webinars covering key insights to support your application, from common pitfalls to Q&A.
A University of Leeds team used Proof of Feasibility funding to develop and validate a novel diagnostic sensor. The 9-month project produced working prototypes tested in laboratory conditions, established manufacturing partnerships with a Yorkshire-based company, and secured preliminary IP protection. This work provided the foundation for a subsequent Proof of Concept application that took the technology into NHS clinical testing.
Applications must demonstrate completed market analyses showing genuine clinical need and pathway considerations, target user requirements, and rigorous understanding of the competitive landscape. A thorough understanding of international markets and approaches to deployment in target markets is another aspect of market validation. This evidence might come from previous Yorkshire MedTech Proof of Market funding, other grants, or equivalent activities. Your application should reference specific findings that inform your technical approach. If uncertain whether your market validation is sufficient, please engage with your technology transfer office or contact us before applying.
Meaningful and timely engagement with your technology transfer office is likely to be beneficial to your application, for example in relation to IP strategy and follow-on plans. We would therefore encourage early interaction. Some universities require technology transfer office sign-off, even at this stage. Check your institution’s requirements and ensure you clearly describe what technology transfer engagement you’ve had in your application.
Early and small-scale clinical feasibility studies are eligible, if they directly support technical development objectives. Full clinical trials aren’t suitable for this tier. Studies must have appropriate ethical approval before commencing. Budget adequate time for ethics processes in your project timeline. Our review panels include clinical experts who assess the appropriateness of proposed studies.
Technical challenges that prevent feasibility demonstration are legitimate outcomes. We value honest assessment of technical barriers – this may result in a decision to change course, pivot or indeed to ‘fail fast’.
Multi-institutional projects are welcome and often bring complementary expertise. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for each partner. NHS collaborators from appropriate specialities can add significant value to your project. An appropriate collaboration agreement must be in place between collaborating partners as a condition of funding.
We assess each application independently. If you have multiple distinct projects at different development stages, you can submit separate applications. Each must stand alone and meet eligibility criteria for its target stage.
We encourage resubmissions, we will provide feedback to applications and encourage those projects which could be funded in future rounds with some amendments to resubmit.
Representatives from both Leeds and Sheffield universities as well as our wider project partners e.g. Medipex and industry to allow for a breadth of expertise in assessing applications.
If your project is focused on data processing of existing clinical data to create a new AI method then this wouldn’t be in scope. However if you are using AI as part of a diagnostic or therapeutic device that would need to go down the regulatory route to get to market then yes this would be in scope. We encourage anyone with queries on this to contact the team via pbiaa@leeds.ac.uk
Commercial partnerships aren’t required for Proof of Feasibility applications. For Proof of Market and Proof of Feasibility projects, external support or commissioned pieces of work may be necessary. In all cases, external consultancy/support can be included in the costing. If you have existing commercial contacts, mention them in your application, but formal partnerships aren’t necessarily expected at this stage.
If you are requesting funding for 100% of your time as a postdoc, it’s possible for your project to run past the end of your current contract as Yorkshire MedTech can fund your time (this is not the case for academics).
If however you are requesting funding for only part of your time e.g. 50%, then the project will need to be completed within the timeframe of your existing contract of employment. In any case line manager approval will be needed. We do ask that you have a Co-investigator who is permanent member of academic staff to make sure that there is some continuity in case you get a job elsewhere so the piece of work can continue.
This is the simplest route to demonstrating economic impact in the region. We recognise there are some cases where you might have multiple partners and only one of them is based in Yorkshire e.g. a Yorkshire based manufacturer and a design company elsewhere in the UK. If you are aiming to spinout, the panel will be understanding that you might not want to link directly to a company. We are open to justifications of economic impact without a Yorkshire-based company, but this would need to be robust.
Our team can help you determine if your project is ready for this funding stage.