Wales and Northern Ireland fund innovative cancer technologies
Scientist in a lab uses a microscope.

Five projects across Wales and Northern Ireland have been awarded £1 million for developing technology to reducing waiting times and improve outcomes for cancer patients.

As part of a pioneering new Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Cancer Challenge, the projects have been funded by the Welsh government and Northern Ireland Department for the Economy. The projects will seek to develop innovations that speed up diagnoses, reduce waiting times for treatment, as well as offer improvement to the efficiency and efficacy of care offered, including palliative.

Some of the ideas include the testing of a capsule sponge test to reduce endoscopy demand, a blood test for early colorectal cancer diagnosis, and using algorithms to help prioritise patients for and population-wide pre-cancer registry using genomic data to target high-risk patients

Cabinet secretary for Health in Wales, Jeremy Miles, said: “Early detection for cancer is crucial for improving survival rates. Advancements which improve people’s outcomes and reduce health inequalities are both welcome and vital for those affected by this devastating disease.

“I am pleased the Welsh government is collaborating with Northern Ireland to lead this UK wide initiative to research and develop innovative cancer solutions. I hope this will support the world of the NHS to improve the care — and timeliness of care — for everyone facing a cancer diagnosis.”

For the list of the five winning companies, click here.