Funding Opportunities

The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research is a collaborative framework through which 12 NIH Institutes, Centers and Offices jointly support neuroscience-related research, with the aim of accelerating discoveries and reducing the burden of nervous system disorders (for further information, see http://neuroscienceblueprint.nih.gov/). Innovators developing groundbreaking medical device technologies face several challenges along the translational path from bench to bedside. The Blueprint MedTech program aims to address such challenges and support the innovators by accelerating the development of medical devices to prevent, monitor, diagnose, and treat disorders within the missions of the participating NIH institutes and centers, as well as the HEAL and BRAIN Initiatives. The mission of the program is to catalyze the translation of novel technologies from early-stage development towards first-in-human clinical studies. The program will provide: (a) non-dilutive funds to support medical device development activities led by investigators, and (b) additional resources and support services including, but not limited to: - Planning resources to support concept development, team building, needs assessment, and other early translational activities. - Streamlined access to NIH-funded translational services and contract research organizations (e.g., design and prototyping, bench testing, large animal testing, biocompatibility assessment, manufacturing, medical monitoring, clinical trials). - Assistance from NIH-funded service providers (e.g., on regulatory, reimbursement, intellectual property, commercialization, and strategic partnership issues). - Advice from industry experts (e.g. mentors, meetings with an external oversight committee). The overarching goal of the Blueprint MedTech program is to accelerate patient access to groundbreaking, safe, and effective medical devices. The program will provide support to sufficiently develop and de-risk technologies to the point where additional investments are warranted from industry partners, investors, and government.