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NHS opens second round of AI in Health and Care Award applications

The NHS has announced that applications for the second round of the AI in Health and Care Award have opened.

Technology companies, researchers and developers are now able to bid for funding to help develop and test their artificial intelligence and machine learning products safely in the NHS.

In September the results of the first round of the £140 million AI in Health and Care Award were announced, with over 500 applications paired down to 42 projects sharing over £50 million. The award is managed by the Accelerated Access Collaborative in partnership with NHSX and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

First round winners set to be tested in the NHS include a phone app that could help detect early kidney disease in urine samples of diabetic patients, an algorithm that could remove the need for the second human reader to assess breast cancer screening scans, and a computer software platform that uses AI to help detect early lung cancer.

Applications for the second round have opened looking for the best AI products that could help meet the objectives of the NHS Long Term Plan. In particular, applications are encouraged for Phases 3 and 4 in the following areas:

Indra Joshi, director of AI at NHSX, said: “Artificial intelligence and machine learning have enormous potential in healthcare. This award will help us harness the enormous range of innovation in AI so the NHS can be a world leader in the use and deployment of these cutting-edge technologies.

“Before we can roll out these new devices or processes, the award will enable us to test and evaluate them so we can make sure they deliver the expected benefits to staff and patients.

“We had a huge amount of interest in the first round of the AI in Health and Care Award and, once again we would encourage all those who have an AI tool or product, they think could help the NHS to apply now.”

Matt Whitty, chief executive of the Accelerated Access Collaborative and director of innovation, research and life sciences at NHS England and NHS Improvement, added: “There is a huge amount of innovation and research ongoing in the field of AI at the moment and this award is an excellent opportunity for the NHS to test and deploy the best solutions available.

“We don’t just want to hear about finished products, the award is also designed to support those in the early stages of development who need a bit of extra help.”

The AI in Health and Care Award will distribute £140 million over three years, with the second round of applications closing at 1pm on 8th December.

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