Neurotechnologies Funding: NIH Blueprint MedTech program
VentureWell’s Health Technology Center for Commercialization, with Cimit’s CINTA and NeuroTech Harbor, has released a funding opportunity through the NIH Blueprint MedTech program.
Pre-proposals from applicants who have emerging preventative, therapeutic, or diagnostic medical devices focused on disorders of the nervous system are requested.
- Pre-proposal due date: October 4, 2024
- Full proposal submission deadline: November 27, 2024
- Website link for more information
The primary goal of the program is to guide applicants toward securing an Optimizer award, offering up to $500K in funding for the most promising neurotechnologies. The process begins with a 3-page pre-proposal, followed by a full proposal review. Applicants advancing to the “Deep Dive” stage, the final due diligence step before funding decisions, are evaluated for the Optimizer award.
If the Deep Dive review reveals gaps, such as insufficient proof-of-concept data, applicants may be redirected to the Seedling award which provides six months of support, including a $25,000 stipend and $25,000 for hiring subject matter experts, along with mentorship to help address commercialization challenges. After completing the Seedling program, participants can reapply at the Full Application, or Deep Dive stage, or be ready for an NIH-Translator solicitation.
Finally, an important element of this program is to create opportunities for diverse innovators, including those who have been traditionally underrepresented in the neurotech space. We encourage applications from women, underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, and individuals with disabilities.
For more information, please contact VentureWell's Jordie Kamuene.