Written question asked by Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 10 July 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 July 2025. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Thursday, 24 July 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Health: Companies

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the merger of NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care, what steps they will take to ensure that health tech companies who have received first phase funding from the Small Business Research Initiative can receive second phase funding this financial year.

Answer: The Department and NHS England are committed to health and care research, as it is vital to fulfilling the objectives of the Growth and Health Missions. The Department and NHS England will continue to support research and development throughout the transition process and beyond.  NHS England’s Innovation, Research and Life Sciences Strategy team has confirmed funding in 2025/26 for innovations already supported through Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare competitions in their current phases. NHS England has invested £13.6 million through the SBRI Healthcare programme to support the development of over 50 innovations this year. NHS England is unable to fund future phases within this financial year.

Secondary information