The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced new funding designed to bring innovations in critical sectors such as healthcare and transport to market quicker, as well as to cut "unnecessary red tape" for the regulators.

The government said that funding, part of the fourth round of the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund, will help to support a number of new technologies, including drones for delivering vital supplies to smarter medical software using AI to help doctors spot diseases earlier.

The fourth round, which is worth £5.5 million in total, builds on a previous phase which supported 24 pioneering projects across the country unlocking new opportunities in sectors like health, transport, and energy.

It is open to regulators and local authorities across the UK and will include projects in key growth areas such as AI in healthcare, engineering biology, space, and connected and autonomous vehicles.

The technology department said that projects might include smarter ways to test new treatments, manage the use of airspace for drones, or support technologies like lab-grown foods.

The move forms part of the government’s Plan for Change to make the UK the best place to test and grow new ideas, while making life better for the public.

"Smarter, more agile regulation is key to businesses bringing ideas to market faster, while giving the public confidence in new technologies," said Lord Vallance, science minister. "These projects show how regulators can work with industry to unlock breakthroughs – from autonomous drones improving emergency services, to AI that cuts the cost and time spent on clinical trials."

Vallance continued: "By backing this kind of innovation, we’re helping to make the UK the best place in the world to launch, test and scale new ideas, and drive the economic growth we need to improve lives and deliver our Plan for Change."

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