UK Launches Funding Competition for Deployable Blood Testing Technologies

The United Kingdom Defense Innovation (UKDI), part of the Ministry of Defense, announced a funding competition Tuesday to support development of lightweight point-of-care technologies capable of determining ABO blood group and detecting blood-borne viruses in deployed settings. The initiative aims to reduce the logistical burden associated with collecting, testing and administering blood in austere environments.

A total of £3 million is available, with four to six awards expected in the £500,000–£700,000 range, though funding levels may vary.

Proposals are due at noon BST on June 2. Additional details are available on the UKDI website.