14 May 2018

A new £750k fund, launched by Coeliac UK and innovation agency, Innovate UK, is now open for applications for research into improvements in coeliac disease diagnostics and self-care, and gluten free food production.

Researchers and businesses can apply for a share of the funding through three priority themes:
•    healthcare diagnostics
•    digital self-care tools
•    better gluten free food production
With grants ranging from £50k to £250k.

Find out more about this competition and to apply: www.coeliac.org.uk/innovateuk

Earlier in the year, as part of Coeliac UK’s 50th Anniversary activities, a Research Fund and accompanying fundraising appeal was launched, aiming to raise £5 million to change the future for people with coeliac disease and gluten related autoimmune conditions. More information see: www.coeliac.org.uk/researchfund.

The Fund has already received an injection of £500k from Innovate UK which in addition to £250k from the charity, will support this new research competition. Together with match funding from industry total spend on new research for a growing global market will be nearer £1m.

Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Coeliac UK said: “With the global diagnosis for coeliac disease increasing year on year, this is a chance for UK business and researchers to get ahead and develop competitive advantages in innovation which will be of benefit to a badly underserved patient group. We are thrilled to be working with Innovate UK to promote innovation that will have a real and positive impact on people’s lives.”

Calum Murray, head of agriculture and food at Innovate UK, said: “By funding great new ideas which will help diagnose and care for people with coeliac disease and by encouraging tasty new developments in gluten free food, this competition promises to make a real difference. Not just for those living with coeliac disease but it will help fuel innovation in our food and health sectors – crucial components of the government’s industrial strategy. This competition is a first for Innovate UK in how we have teamed up with the leading charity Coeliac UK to boost the funding available for fantastic new proposals from industry and academia.’’

See here for press release.