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National Institute for Health Research

Europe, Orkney, United Kingdom, Whitehall

Description

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is the largest funder of health and social care research in the United Kingdom, primarily funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Contrary to being a biotechnology company, NIHR operates as a government-backed strategic organization dedicated to improving the health and wealth of the nation through research. Its core mission is to fund high-quality, impactful research that translates into tangible benefits for patients, the public, and the healthcare system, rather than making equity investments as a venture capital firm.

Investor Profile

National Institute for Health Research has backed more than 20 startups, with 3 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 14 rounds, about 70% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Grant, Pre Seed, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, Canada, United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Biotechnology, Medical.
  • Led 2 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $63.5K – $6.3M.

Stage Focus

  • Grant (90%)
  • Pre Seed (5%)
  • Series Unknown (5%)

Country Focus

  • United Kingdom (80%)
  • Canada (10%)
  • United States (10%)

Industry Focus

  • Health Care
  • Biotechnology
  • Medical
  • Medical Device
  • Therapeutics
  • Life Science
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Health Diagnostics
  • Information Services
  • Non Profit
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does National Institute for Health Research frequently co-invest with?

Innovate UK
Europe, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, Swindon
Co-Investments: 2
Royal Society Enterprise Fund
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
The Welsh Government
Europe, Cardiff, United Kingdom, Cardiff
Co-Investments: 1
University of Liverpool
Europe, Liverpool, United Kingdom, Liverpool
Co-Investments: 1

What are some of recent deals done by National Institute for Health Research?

QV Bioelectronics

Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

Longer, Better Quality Lives for Brain Tumour Patients

Advanced MaterialsBiotechnologyElectronicsHealth CareLife ScienceMedicalMedical DeviceNanotechnologyNeuroscience
GrantJan 21, 2026
University of Liverpool

Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

University of Liverpool offers diverse programs and research opportunities for students.

EducationE-LearningUniversities
GrantJan 6, 2026
Amount Raised: $2,031,447
LaennecAI

Cardiff, Cardiff, United Kingdom

LaennecAI is a clinical AI company that focuses on chronic disease management solutions.

MedicalMedical Device
GrantNov 15, 2024
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a community hospital that provides emergency, surgical and medical care.

Health CareHospitalMedical
GrantOct 16, 2024
Amount Raised: $1,818,746
HDR UK

London, England, United Kingdom

HDR UK is a non-profit organization that focuses on data research on health data science.

Health CareInformation ServicesNon Profit
GrantJul 30, 2024
Linear Diagnostics

Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Linear Diagnostics Limited is a diagnostics company based on a novel technology

BiotechnologyHealth CareHealth Diagnostics
GrantJun 8, 2023
Physiomics

Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Physiomics develops computational systems biology models to predict and understand cancer drug efficacy from preclinical research.

Biotechnology
GrantJan 9, 2023
Amount Raised: $182,756
OCUWELL

Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

Cloud-based eye care solutions & portable devices

Health Care
Pre SeedAug 1, 2022
Amount Raised: $306,423
Awakn Life Sciences

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Awakn Life Sciences is an ecosystem for psychedelic-based treatments.

BiotechnologyHealth CareLife Science
GrantJul 20, 2022
Amount Raised: $1,939,890
Motilent

London, England, United Kingdom

Motilent deals with technology and research on providing innovative services that helps for digestive system in health and disease.

Health CareMedical DevicePharmaceutical
GrantMay 18, 2022
Amount Raised: $1,481,321

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