N-CODE Innovation Challenge
Help shape the future of neurological healthcare.
The N-CODE Innovation Challenge is looking for concepts, ideas and innovations that could fundamentally change how neurological care is delivered in the NHS.
We’re particularly interested in approaches using wearable technologies, digital biomarkers, artificial intelligence, and mathematical modelling to support earlier diagnosis, better monitoring, and more effective management of neurological conditions closer to home.
Download the application pack at the bottom of this page for detailed guidance.
Help shape the future of neurological healthcare.
Could your idea transform neurological care?
The NHS is changing how care is delivered, with a greater focus on supporting people in their communities, making better use of digital technology and preventing ill health before it happens. The Innovation Challenge is looking for ideas that could help make these shifts a reality in neurological healthcare:
Hospital to community
Ideas that could help move neurological care from hospitals into community settings and people’s own homes.
Analogue to digital
Ideas that use technology and data to improve how neurological conditions are identified, monitored, and managed.
Sickness to prevention
Ideas that could support earlier identification of risk and more proactive approaches to preventing ill health or deterioration.
What are we looking for?
You don’t need to have a finished solution. We want to hear about promising early-stage concepts and explore what they could become. Your proposal should set out:
- The problem you have identified
- Your idea for addressing it
- The difference you believe it could make
Ideas could include new technologies, adaptations of existing tools, feasibility studies, co-design projects, or new approaches to delivering neurological care.
Download the application pack at the bottom of this page for detailed guidance.
We are also hosting two live Q&A webinars. Register if you would like to find out more about this call.
- Academic-led route webinar Monday 19 October, 2:00–2:45pm Register here
- Industry-led route webinar Tuesday 20 October, 2:00–2:45pm Register here
Funding available
Industry-led
Up to £12,000 award | 3–5 winners
For UK-registered businesses.
Academic-led
Up to £30,000 award | 3 winners
For applicants eligible for UKRI funding.
Projects for both routes should run for a maximum of 8 weeks.
See the guidance document for full funding and eligibility details.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from industry and technology developers, researchers and academics, healthcare professionals, and others with relevant expertise.
Projects should bring the expertise and capability needed to develop the proposed innovation.
The two routes have different eligibility criteria. Please see the full eligibility requirements in the guidance document.
Key dates
- Applications open: First week of September 2026
- Submission deadline: 5pm, 18 November 2026
- Winners announced: Week beginning 11 January 2027
- Project period: 8 weeks, with all projects completed by 14 May 2027
- London Showcase: June 2027
Take your idea to the next stage
The Innovation Challenge offers funding to help promising concepts take an important step towards real-world application, and brings together people working across research, healthcare and technology to help shape the future of neurological care.
All winners will be invited to present their project and outcomes at the London Showcase in June 2027.
Ready to get involved?
Submit your application
Got a question?
If you have any questions, please fill out the below contact form.