ARPA-H: Systematic Targeting Of MicroPlastics (STOMP)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
ARPA-H’s Systematic Targeting Of MicroPlastics (STOMP) program is a new funding opportunity focused on detecting, understanding, and ultimately removing toxic microplastics from the human body. This is an early-stage, high-impact program targeting a major and unresolved public health challenge.
To apply, you must first submit a required Solution Summary by Monday, May 6, 2026, 5:00PM ET. Only those encouraged will proceed to a full proposal due Monday, June 22, 2026, 5:00PM ET. These deadlines are firm but noted as subject to change—waiting risks missing your window.
STOMP will fund efforts in measurement and biological understanding now, with removal technologies expected in a later phase.
How much funding would I receive?
Funding is expected to range from $500k - $10m.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding supports R&D aligned with two primary technical areas:
Phase 1:
Develop lab-based measurement tools for nano-sized microplastics in biological tissue
Image and characterize microplastics in organs and cells
Study mechanisms of microplastic trafficking and toxicity
Phase 2:
Translate measurement methods into scalable clinical systems
Develop solutions to remove microplastics from the human body
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Access to a multidisciplinary ARPA-H program environment
Opportunity to collaborate across technical domains
Participation in a program aimed at major healthcare impact
No additional non-dilutive benefits (e.g., commercialization support, follow-on funding) are specified in the solicitation.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Key Dates:
Solution Summary Due: Monday, May 6, 2026, 5:00PM ET
Full Proposal Due: Monday, June 22, 2026, 5:00PM ET
Additional notes:
A Solution Summary is required to submit a full proposal
Proposers will be encouraged or discouraged from submitting a full proposal after summary review
Dates are stated as estimates and subject to change
Award timing:
Not specified in the solicitation
Where does this funding come from?
Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
Notice ID: ARPA-H-SOL-26-152
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility criteria are not specified in the provided materials
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Based on stated program goals, competitive proposals will likely:
Focus on microplastics measurement technologies or biological mechanism understanding
Address challenges in detecting nano-sized particles in complex biological systems
Provide novel approaches to understanding toxicity and distribution in the body
Demonstrate strong multidisciplinary teaming, as teaming is encouraged
Align with future translation into clinical and scalable systems
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
A Solution Summary is required before submitting a full proposal
Full proposals are recommended only for those encouraged to proceed
Specific restrictions (e.g., cost share, IP terms, or use of funds) are not specified in the provided materials
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Not specified in the solicitation
However:
The two-step process (Solution Summary → Full Proposal) requires staged preparation
Teaming is encouraged, which may increase coordination time
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support:
Interpreting ARPA-H program fit and positioning
Drafting compelling Solution Summaries aligned to evaluation criteria
Structuring full proposals for technical clarity and competitiveness
Coordinating multi-partner teams and narrative cohesion
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($15,000 + 5%) available.
