The UK Government has announced a new £20 million funding programme to support the development of innovative technologies aimed at preventing and treating drug and alcohol addiction.
The funding will help businesses, researchers and health innovators develop practical tools that can improve treatment, support recovery and ultimately save lives. Addiction remains one of the most serious public health challenges facing the country, with thousands of people affected every year and significant pressure placed on health and support services.
The programme is being delivered through Innovate UK as part of the Government’s wider Addiction Healthcare Goals initiative. It is designed to accelerate the development of new solutions that can be rolled out across the health system more quickly and effectively.
Under the scheme, larger grants of up to £10 million will be available for later-stage projects that are close to being ready for use by patients or health services. Smaller grants of up to £1.5 million will support earlier-stage ideas that still need research, testing or technical development.
The Government is encouraging applications from across the UK. Potential solutions could include wearable devices that monitor health indicators, digital apps that provide personalised recovery support, artificial intelligence tools that identify people at risk, or virtual reality programmes that assist with therapy and rehabilitation. The aim is to back practical technologies that can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Nick Conn, founder of community group, Help4Addiction commented: “The investment into technology to help for addiction in the UK is very positive and there is evidence to suggest that even more investment would be of great value.”
“Our group has been running for 20 years and we have seen a noticeable shift into using technology for rehabilitation purposes. Between online scheduling, online detoxes, group therapy sessions online, progress trackers and more, we have seen first-hand the value of technology to help people overcome addiction and also avoid relapse.”
“Online treatment is very popular for many, a typical online rehab package starts at around £2,000 for a month, whereas inpatient treatment might be as much as £8,000 – and the results are similar. Online is more accessible, affordable and there is less of a stigma if people can be treated remotely rather than in person.”
Health and Social Care Minister Zubir Ahmed said “the investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to tackling addiction in new and forward-thinking ways. He said innovative technology has the potential to strengthen existing treatment services, improve outcomes and provide better support for individuals and families affected by substance misuse.”
In addition to financial backing, successful applicants will receive expert guidance to help them bring their products to market. This includes regulatory advice and support from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and evidence and standards guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. This support is intended to ensure that new technologies meet high safety and effectiveness standards and can be adopted across the NHS and other care settings.
Addiction can have long-term effects on physical health, mental wellbeing, employment and family life. Drug and alcohol misuse is also linked to crime, homelessness and increased demand on emergency services. By encouraging the development of new tools, the Government hopes to strengthen prevention efforts, improve early intervention and expand access to recovery support.
The funding forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to reduce drug-related deaths and improve treatment services. Technology is seen as a key part of modernising healthcare, particularly where digital tools can reach people who may struggle to access traditional services or who need ongoing support outside clinical settings.
Organisations interested in applying must demonstrate how their proposed technology will improve patient outcomes, offer value for money and be capable of being scaled up across the UK. Projects should also show clear plans for testing, evaluation and regulatory approval where required.
Applications for the programme are now open and will close on 6 May 2026. The Government expects the first successful projects to begin development later this year.
By investing in innovation and working closely with industry, researchers and healthcare professionals, the Government aims to support new solutions that can reduce harm, strengthen recovery services and help build healthier communities across the UK.
