CardMedic, a frontline healthcare language app, has been awarded £499,683 in funding from SBRI Healthcare to develop an AI-enabled language portal.
SBRI (Small Business Research Initiative) Healthcare provides funding and support to innovators to develop solutions that tackle existing unmet needs faced by the NHS.
This 12-month project aims to enhance real-time language support at the point of care within NHS urgent and emergency care settings, improving patient safety and addressing health inequity.
CardMedic’s current app serves as a digital front door, providing healthcare staff with rapid access to clinically validated language and communication support services.
This 12-month project aims to enhance real-time language support at the point of care within NHS urgent and emergency care settings
Already used by over 25 healthcare providers in the UK and the US, the app helps medical professionals communicate effectively with patients who have Limited English Proficiency, disabilities, sensory impairments, or lower health literacy.
The funding forms part of a broader £3.9 million award from SBRI Healthcare, an initiative under the Accelerated Access Collaborative in partnership with the Health Innovation Network.
This initiative supports nine pioneering companies dedicated to improving Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) by enhancing access, reducing hospital stays, and supporting the healthcare workforce.
With the new funding, CardMedic will focus on the technical development of its language portal, patient engagement initiatives, and clinical validation.
CardMedic will collaborate closely with clinical teams and patients to tailor the portal to real-world healthcare needs
The portal will provide instant access to pre-translated clinical interactions from the CardMedic Frontline app, alongside faster access to real-time interpreters and language services.
This enhancement will ensure patients, staff, and healthcare teams have the language support they need, precisely when they need it.
By leveraging AI and digital innovation, the project aims to improve healthcare accessibility and facilitate connections with language service providers.
CardMedic will collaborate closely with clinical teams and patients to tailor the portal to real-world healthcare needs, ensuring its successful adoption across the NHS.
The funding forms part of a broader £3.9 million award from SBRI Healthcare
Tim Grimaldi, Co-founder of CardMedic, expressed his enthusiasm: “The current barriers to equitable care, particularly for those facing language and communication challenges, remain a critical issue. This funding will allow us to reach more patients and healthcare professionals who need better communication solutions. Less than 3% of innovations secure grant funding, so we are deeply honoured by this recognition.”
Verena Stocker, Director of Innovation, Research, Life Sciences and Strategy at NHS England and CEO of the Accelerated Access Collaborative, said: “The SBRI Healthcare awards enable the NHS to develop new technologies that tackle significant healthcare challenges. We have selected these innovations because they have the potential to make a meaningful impact in urgent and emergency care.”
Currently used by thousands of healthcare professionals, CardMedic’s language app provides on-demand access to clinically interpreted interactions in nearly 50 languages, as well as formats such as EasyRead and sign language.
This tool enhances patient safety, improves the quality of care, and promotes health equity while alleviating the burden on healthcare professionals.
CardMedic will now collaborate with a major NHS provider to prepare its new portal for broader implementation
The latest iteration of the CardMedic app is being rolled out, incorporating instant access to live interpreting services and a range of usability enhancements.
NHS providers, including the North East London Integrated Care System, utilise CardMedic to support equitable maternity services.
At the same time, The Christie, a leading European cancer hospital, employs the technology to enhance patient-clinician communication during cancer treatment.
CardMedic will now collaborate with a major NHS provider to prepare its new portal for broader implementation, reinforcing its commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and communication equity nationwide.