Researchers and businesses can apply for a share of the funding through three priority themes, with the grants ranging from £50k to £250k.
The grants include:
- Early stage feasibility; 6 - 12 months, up to £100k
- Industrial research; 12 - 36 months, £50k - £250k
- Experimental development; 6 - 18 months, £50k - £250k
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.”
The three priority themes are:
Coeliac disease diagnostics
New methods of diagnosis which are less invasive, or that are accurate without eating gluten could improve diagnosis rates and lead to early effective treatment, in turn leading to better quality of life and reduced risk of complications for patients with the condition.
Enhanced quality of gluten free foods
Creating more nutritious and affordable gluten free food could include; novel ingredients, foods with improved nutrient profiles and desired flavour texture characteristics, new methods of preservation, innovation in processing and manufacturing efficiency for lower cost options and technologies to improve shelf life.
Digitally supported self-care
Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition which requires lifelong management. Self-care using digital tools could provide a highly cost effective option for health management.