We are delighted to announce that applications to participate in a new EMERGE RehabTech initiative “Pacesetter” are now open. We encourage researchers interested in exploring the commercial potential of their rehabtech innovations to apply. The programme supports participants to assess market potential and develop understanding of routes to market, including spin-out formation or licensing to external organisations.
Key Information
Open: 18 May 2026
Deadline to apply: 19 June 2026, 16.00 BST
Funding award: Up to £30,000
Phase 1 Workshop: 14 July 2026, Clifton Campus, NTU
About the Programme
Pacesetter is a three-stage, intensive programme incorporating a mix of focussed training, mentoring, and tailored funding to tackle questions around routes to deployment and adoption. In the final phase, participants can apply for up to £30,000 for activities to advance their rehabtech innovation through in-depth market analysis. We expect to invite 10-12 participants to join the first cohort for the programme. Pacesetter has been created in collaboration with Health Innovation East Midlands to complement our other funding mechanisms, as well as existing regional and national accelerator programmes.
Who can apply
EMERGE RehabTech funding is only open to individuals from UK higher education institutions, public sector research establishments, research council institutes, and UKRI-approved independent research organisations and NHS bodies with research capacity. For Round 1 of Pacesetter, these individuals should also be based at organisations who are existing members of the EMERGE RehabTech consortium. We expect applicants to have a clearly defined innovation, supported by underpinning research, and be able to demonstrate feasibility via a working prototype, or have undertaken proof‑of‑concept work demonstrating technology validation in a relevant environment, indicating the potential for future commercialisation.
More detailed guidance can be found here. For any queries about the scheme, please contact the team at EMERGErehabtech@ntu.ac.uk.
