Funding support

Our funding support service helps innovators successfully identify and secure grant funding.

By working with us, you benefit from tailored support, our expertise, extensive networks, and a proven track record, giving your bid a stronger, more competitive edge.

How can we help?

Funding Directory - A snapshot of the latest health and life sciences funding opportunities, from seed funds, assessment and validation, research and development, to travel and conference grants.
Signposting to opportunities - Have a great idea but unsure where to start? We can guide you to the most relevant funding calls, ensuring you're aligned with eligibility criteria and deadlines. We have insight into which opportunities best match each stage of your innovation’s development, saving you time and improving your chances of success.
Funding intelligence - We have access to a global database of funding calls, programmes, and innovation initiatives. We continuously monitor national and international funding sources.
Bid review - Already have a draft funding application? Our team can review, edit, and proofread your application to ensure it’s clear, compelling, and ready for submission. With experience supporting numerous successful bids, we can help strengthen your narrative, evidence, and overall impact.
Bid Support (scope) - Whilst we provide expert support with refining your funding applications, we do not write bids from scratch, generate content or create budgets: our role is to work with you to enhance and improve your existing application. Applicants remain responsible for completing, finalising, and submitting funding applications, including ensuring all information is accurate and submitted on time. We cannot guarantee a successful outcome as this decision rests with the funding body.
Consortium Building - Do you need expert partners to support your innovation project? We can help form strategic partnerships by connecting you with expert collaborators from academia, industry, and the NHS. With our extensive network across the Welsh innovation ecosystem, we can introduce you to credible partners who will strengthen and enhance the competitiveness of your bid.

Who qualifies for our help?

We work with organisations developing health and social care innovations that will benefit patients, improve NHS Wales, and boost the Welsh economy.

Our tailored support is available to academics, industry partners, clinicians, local authorities, and charities.

We're looking to support funding applications with the following criteria: 

Your innovation must focus on benefiting health and social care, with demonstrable impact for Wales.
While applications from academic institution or health boards do not always need to be collaborative, involving multiple organisations is encouraged and can enhance your application.
If you are a business seeking our support, your application must be in collaboration with another organisation, such as an academic institution or a health board.
If you require financial support other than grant funding, we can direct you to Business Wales and/or Development Bank of Wales.

Resources

An innovation journey

The is the typical path an idea might take, from the initial concept, through stages of research and development, to commercialisation and adoption in real-world settings.

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Understanding study designs

In health and social care research, selecting the right study design is crucial to ensuring your research is ethical, reliable, effective, and aligned with your objectives.

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Jargon-busting funding terms

This glossary is designed to help you understand common terms used in the world of funding.

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Awards on a page

An easy-to-follow guide outlining the most common funding awards, their typical Technology Readiness Level ranges, and their key objectives.

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Understanding technology readiness levels

Technology Readiness Levels measure how far an innovation has progressed, from early concepts to real-world use.

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Understand sector-based technology readiness levels

A guide on how Technology Readiness Levels can be applied across sectors.

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A guide to our funding service

This guide provides a snapshot of who we are and how we support health and social care innovation in Wales through funding guidance and market intelligence services.

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FAQs

Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about the support available, and how we work with partners across Wales:

Do you write bids?

No. We do not write funding applications. We provide impartial, expert guidance to help you develop the strongest possible application. Our support includes identifying suitable funding opportunities, connecting you with potential collaborators, reviewing draft applications, providing constructive feedback, and helping you align your proposal with the funder's requirements.

How much does your service cost?

As a public sector body, our services are free of charge.

I’m a business, can I access support?

We can support businesses who are applying for funding in collaboration with either a health board or academia. If you do not currently have a partner, we can help source one for you.

I’m based in England and would like to expand to Wales; can you help me?

To access our support, you must be either based in Wales (companies must have their registered office in Wales) or have a confirmed Welsh partner. Your innovation must also demonstrate clear benefit to the people of Wales. If you do not yet have a Welsh partner, we can help find one for you.

Who else can you work with?

We work with a range of organisations, including academic institutions, clinicians, NHS staff, charities, local authorities, and care providers, provided they are aligned with improving health and wellbeing outcomes in Wales.

What stage does my innovation need to be to access support?

We work with organisations at all stages of development, from early concepts to products ready for adoption, however the majority of grant funding is for innovation/R&D. The type of support you can receive depends on the stage of your innovation, the evidence available and the purpose of the funding. We use Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to guide this process. Typically, we support research-focused funding at lower TRLs. However, some smaller funds for travel or events are available at higher TRLs. For more guidance on TRLs see our Understanding Technology Readiness Levels and Understand Sector-Based Technology Readiness Levels documents in the resources section.

I have an innovative idea, but I’m not sure whether it’s been done before?

Our Market Intelligence team can help you understand the landscape by analysing data, market trends and real-world insights. This enables you to assess existing solutions, refine your strategy and identify opportunities. To make an enquiry, please visit Sector Intelligence support .

Do you provide funding directly?

We do not issue grants or direct funding. Instead, we help identify suitable funding opportunities, support your applications, and connect you with partners.

How can I find funding opportunities?

Firstly, check out our Funding Directory for an overview of current opportunities (not an exhaustive list). If you need a more tailored search, our team can help identify the most relevant options for your project. Contact us today at fundingsupport@lshubwales.com.

How long does support take?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your project, partner availability, and the submission deadline. Once we understand your needs, we can outline the expected next steps and timeframes.