The Accelerating Innovative Medicines Challenge - part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund

Michael Sullivan, Head of Advanced Therapies at Innovate UK, explains the Accelerating Innovative Medicines Challenge, launched as part of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

The fund was announced by Prime Minister Theresa May and this challenge will develop first-of-a-kind technologies for the manufacture of medicines and accelerate patient access to new drugs and treatments.

Looking to the future

These challenges are just the start. During our first round of engagement work, we asked for ideas for addressing these challenges and have begun funding projects right across the country. We already have some great responses but there are lots of grand challenges out there, and we’re looking closely at what should be included in the next wave. There’s plenty more to come.

As a final thought, for those who ask: why are we setting our sights so high? Well, to paraphrase John F. Kennedy, who knew a lot about trying to get to the moon:

"We choose to do [these] things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."

Innovation is all about taking risks, that’s how you get ahead, and stay ahead. We need you to help us to achieve this aim. Watch this space for more information about how you can get involved.