£20 million of government funding is on offer for innovators to develop cutting‑edge medicines, medical technologies and digital tools to tackle drug and alcohol addiction.

The grants will be delivered through Innovate UK.

The funding will support the development and deployment of new technologies designed to improve treatment, strengthen recovery and reduce harm from drug and alcohol addiction.

Every year in the UK, around 15,000 people die due to alcohol and drugs. Hundreds of thousands suffer from the effects, which is estimated to cost England an estimated £47 billion each year.

Health minister, Dr Zubir Ahmed said: "Addiction ruins lives and we need to look at any way we can help ease the suffering – and aid the recovery - of hundreds of thousands of people.

"Embracing new technology will help supplement all the work this government is already doing including expanding access to  vital drugs and providing billions in funding for drug and alcohol prevention treatment and recovery.

"Finding new ways to combat the scourge of addiction could save thousands of lives and billions of pounds."

Science minister, Lord Vallance said: "Cutting-edge medicines and technologies could save thousands of lives lost to alcohol and drug addiction while improving outcomes for hundreds of thousands more.

"Backing both late‑stage technologies and earlier‑stage innovations means we are creating a clear and rapid route from breakthrough ideas to real‑world impact.

"This is about using the UK’s scientific excellence to prevent avoidable deaths and support recovery, while helping innovative companies to grow and thrive in the UK at the same time."