NIH Highlighted Topic: Technology Development for Genomics
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on advancing next-generation genomic technologies, computational genomics, and high-throughput molecular analysis systems that improve understanding of genomic variation, disease mechanisms, and precision medicine. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects developing transformative experimental and computational approaches for genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, metagenomics, synthetic biology, and multiomics research.
NIH is particularly interested in projects that dramatically improve the speed, scalability, resolution, throughput, and affordability of genomic technologies. Companies developing sequencing platforms, AI-enabled bioinformatics systems, functional genomics tools, genome editing technologies, multiomics platforms, spatial genomics systems, synthetic biology technologies, or genomic data integration software may be strong candidates for funding.
Areas of interest include high-throughput sequencing technologies, direct RNA sequencing, epigenomic analysis, chromatin accessibility mapping, genome editing, transcriptome editing, structural variation analysis, massively parallel reporter assays, spatial and temporal genomics, oligonucleotide synthesis, metagenomics, computational genomics, and predictive modeling of genotype-phenotype relationships. NIH is also encouraging scalable data harmonization tools and advanced computational methods capable of integrating diverse omics datasets across multiple biological systems and diseases.
Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for follow-on funding and commercialization support depending on project scope and translational impact.
This highlighted topic is supported by several NIH Institutes and Centers including the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), all of which are seeking transformative innovations that accelerate genomic discovery, precision medicine, disease prediction, and translational biotechnology development.
How much funding would I receive?
Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of genomic technologies, sequencing systems, computational biology platforms, synthetic biology tools, and multiomics solutions.
Eligible activities may include:
Next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing technologies
Direct RNA sequencing and modified base detection systems
AI and machine learning platforms for genomics and metagenomics
Functional genomics and genome editing technologies
Epigenomics, transcriptomics, and chromatin accessibility analysis tools
Multiomics integration and bioinformatics platforms
Spatial and temporal genomics technologies
High-throughput genomic screening and phenotyping systems
Predictive modeling of genotype-phenotype relationships
Synthetic biology and oligonucleotide synthesis technologies
Computational genomics and genomic epidemiology platforms
Cancer genomics and biomarker discovery systems
Infectious disease genomics and pathogen surveillance tools
Gene therapy development and addiction genomics research technologies
Data harmonization, interoperability, and scalable genomics infrastructure
Massively parallel reporter assays and functional variant characterization systems
Prototype development, translational research, and validation studies
Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities
Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, sequencing infrastructure, AI model development, software engineering, cloud computing, computational biology research, bioinformatics pipelines, high-throughput assay development, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable genomics or biotechnology solution aligned with NIH priorities.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:
Government Validation and Credibility:
Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:
Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.
Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.
Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Projects that demonstrate:
A clear unmet medical or public-health need,
Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,
High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and
Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).
Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.
Foreign entities are not eligible.
Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.
How can BW&CO help?
Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:
Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development
Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations
Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.
