Could you develop technology solutions to better support diabetic pregnant women?

The Department of Health and Department for Economy in Northern Ireland have launched a new Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition, under the title “Project ‘GEMS’ – Gestational, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Empowering Mothers through Mobile Technologies”.

The competition aims to source new technology solutions to improve the health of women affected by gestational diabetes.

Funding is available for the development of game changing technologies that can:

  • enable diabetic pregnant women to take control of health, better adhere to treatment and increase intervention effectiveness
  • reduce pressure on health care services, (maternity, neonatal and endocrinology services)
  • support a continuum of care
  • improve the lives, well-being and outcomes for maternal and infant health
  • enable women to lead as normal a life as possible, manage work/care responsibilities and reduce travel to specialist clinics

The competition opened on 30 June 2017. It comprises two phases:

  • phase 1 contracts for feasibility testing are valued at up to £60,000 (excluding VAT) per project and last for six months
  • if the feasibility testing in Phase 1 is successful, companies may be able to bid for Phase 2 contracts to continue prototypes development and testing

Any business that can demonstrate a route to market for their solution can apply. Projects must address all challenges within the competition brief.

Suppliers will be expected to work with practitioners from Trusts in Northern Ireland and University Hospital Galway to ensure their solutions are developed with a focus upon actual local need and experience.

You must apply using the eTendersNI service. The deadline for applications is 15:00 on Friday, 25 August 2017.