Open Call: Better Support for Stroke Survivors Beyond Hospital (UK)

Contracts for Innovation Cymru is inviting applications for innovative solutions to improve rehabilitation, recovery, and long-term support for stroke survivors in Wales. This is a Phase 2 Contracts for Innovation competition delivered by the public sector, with funding available for a portfolio of projects (usually 100% funded). The competition opens on 22 September 2026 and closes on 20 October 2026 at 12:00pm. This challenge seeks innovative, scalable approaches to strengthen recovery and reduce feelings of abandonment for stroke survivors after they leave hospital. It focuses on improving rehabilitation, recovery, and long-term support across home, community, and outpatient settings. The challenge is outcome-focused and does not prescribe a specific technology, product type, or delivery model. Instead, applicants are encouraged to propose the approach they believe best addresses the needs of stroke survivors, carers, and rehabilitation services across Wales. The challenge is looking for approaches that go beyond simply providing more therapy. Applicants should propose solutions that can enable: The challenge is not about specifying a single solution in advance; it supports development, demonstration, and evaluation of innovative approaches that can create foundations for sustainable improvement across Wales. Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Wales, affecting around 7,000 people each year. While survival rates are improving, many people experience a significant reduction in support once they leave hospital, at a time when rehabilitation remains critical. The opportunity highlights that around 45% of stroke survivors report feeling abandoned following discharge because they do not receive the support they need to recover well. It also notes that variations in access to rehabilitation and follow-up support can lead to poorer outcomes, increased carer burden, avoidable demand on health and care services, and significant societal and economic costs. The source states that stroke currently costs NHS Wales approximately £220 million per year and the wider Welsh economy approximately £1.63 billion annually, with expectations that these costs will increase without intervention. Note: The source provided does not include the specific application submission link or a list of required documents. Applicants should follow the “Find out more and apply” instructions on the official page. What is the competition about? It is a Phase 2 Contracts for Innovation Cymru challenge seeking innovative solutions to improve rehabilitation, recovery, and long-term support for stroke survivors in Wales, particularly to reduce feelings of abandonment after discharge. Where can projects be delivered? The opportunity is focused on Wales. How much funding is available? The total funding available is £300,000 for a portfolio of projects, with the distribution dependent on the number and quality of submissions received. Will projects be fully funded? The source states that projects will usually be 100% funded. Further funding rules (if any) are not specified in the provided text. Who can apply? Any organisation can apply, and the opportunity notes it is expected to be particularly attractive for SMEs. What type of solutions are expected for Phase 2? Applicants should have existing technologies, products, platforms, services, or rehabilitation approaches that require adaptation, enhancement, configuration, or further development. Early-stage concepts needing fundamental research or proof-of-concept are unlikely to be supported. When is the deadline to apply? The competition closes on 20 October 2026 at 12:00pm. If you have an existing rehabilitation approach, platform, service, or technology that could be adapted to improve post-discharge recovery and reduce abandonment for stroke survivors across Wales, review the official competition page and follow the stated application process and deadline. For questions, contact [contact details removed].