CSO Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Challenge: Phase 2 Announced

The Chief Scientist Office is pleased to announce the successful applicants for Phase 2 of the Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Challenge. This £5 million UK-wide Contract for Innovation (formerly Small Business Research Initiative) aims to fund groundbreaking projects to address the rising issue of drug-related deaths across the United Kingdom.

The challenge is being run by CSO, which has invested £500,000 of the funding, in partnership with the Office for Life Sciences, which has invested the remaining £4.5 million of the funding. NHS Fife are leading on the programme management for this innovation challenge.

Seven companies have been selected to progress to Phase 2, commencing in August-September 2024. Each project will run for 12 months with funding of up to £500,000.

Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health), Scottish Government, said:

“Tackling drug-related deaths is a priority for the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland and we are committed to tackling these issues through targeted research, innovation and support.

“As part of phase two of the Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Competition, funding has been awarded to develop seven prototypes aimed at reducing drug deaths. These innovative solutions include wearable sensors, digital monitoring and alert applications as well as novel antidote delivery systems.

“By harnessing the expertise we have in Scotland and across the rest of the UK, we can continue to develop new technologies to drive prevention initiatives.”

The challenge aligns with the Scottish Government’s National Mission on Drugs, which aims to reduce drug deaths and improve the lives of those impacted by drugs.

Learn more about Phase 2 projects on Scotland Innovates.

Read the UK Government Office for Life Sciences’ press release here: Virtual reality and wearable technology pilot to cut drug deaths – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)