Cardiovascular Innovation Awards

About the programme

The BHF Oxford CRE’s Cardiovascular Innovation Awards (CIAs) support breakthrough ideas in cardiovascular research by providing funding and tailored business mentorship. Open to researchers across Oxford, the programme provides a combination of financial support, business mentoring, and skills development to help bridge the gap between early-stage research and real-world patient impact.

With funding from the University of Oxford Strategic Innovation Fund, the CIAs offer awards typically ranging from £5K to £100K, supporting projects over 3 to 12 months, depending on the needs of the researcher or team. The scheme focuses not only on developing promising innovations, but also on building technical and leadership capability, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating new business opportunities. Through proof-of-concept funding, training, and mentorship, fellows are equipped to explore pathways such as spin-outs, licensing, partnerships, and further commercial development.

The programme is delivered in two phases:

Open to all Oxford cardiovascular researchers, Phase 1 provides foundational training through a series of interactive workshops delivered by entrepreneurs and business leaders, equipping researchers with key knowledge in areas such as business models, intellectual property, proof-of-concept development, business leadership, market analysis and how to deliver a great pitch.  

Our next workshop will be on Friday 3rd July 2026, on market and competition analysis and building a team.  Register here: https://www.cardioscience.ox.ac.uk/forms/Market_analysis_and_building_team_workshop 

If you missed the workshops this Spring, we are planning to run the series again in early 2027.  Get in touch with Tracey Marr to register early interest.

Phase 2 includes tailored business mentoring, development of a structured innovation plan, and the opportunity to receive CIA funding following an interview process.

How to apply

Oxford cardiovascular researchers wishing to apply to Phase 2 of the CIAs are invited to submit an initial Expression of Interest (EoI) via this link or QR code.  

There is no deadline for submissions, and EoIs can be submitted at any time. All EoIs are reviewed by members of the BHF Oxford CRE’s Industry Liaison Working Group. Following review, applicants will be connected with an appropriate business expert from organisations such as Oxford Science Enterprises, Oxford University Innovation, the University's Translational Research Office, Business Partnerships Office, as well as private companies and investor networks, for an initial mentoring session. Working with their mentor, applicants will develop the next steps in their translational or developmental pathway and prepare a full application to the CIAs. Successful applicants will be invited to interview and will receive tailored support, including funding and training, through the CIAs.