NIH Highlighted Topic: Breaking Barriers: Integrating Immunology and Neuroscience to Transform AD/ADRD Research and Bring a Better Understanding of the Aging Brain
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 focused on integrating immunology, neuroscience, and biogerontology to advance the prevention, treatment, and understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). This highlighted topic aims to accelerate discovery at the intersection of immune-nervous system interactions across the aging lifespan and support development of improved diagnostics, risk stratification tools, and immunotherapeutic strategies.
Accumulating evidence implicates dysregulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses in the aging brain as a significant contributor to AD/ADRD pathogenesis, with clinical studies reporting changes in T-cells, B-cells, the complement system, and disease-specific autoantibodies in individuals living with AD/ADRD. NIH notes that a major obstacle to progress has been insufficient sustained collaboration between immunologists, infectious disease experts, and neuroscientists, leaving critical knowledge gaps around the links between autoimmunity, infectious disease, and neurodegeneration. NIH is particularly interested in projects using cutting-edge technology, including AI and novel model systems such as organoids and microphysiological systems, to close these gaps.
Areas of interest include innate and adaptive immunity crosstalk in healthy aging and AD/ADRD, links among immunosenescence, neuroinflammation, infection, and autoimmunity, mechanisms of immune dysfunction underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms, novel biomarker discovery and validation, environmental exposure effects on the immune-brain axis, sex-specific and lifespan immunophenotype changes, and chronic immune dysregulation accelerating neuroimmune senescence in the context of people with HIV.
Note: as with prior topics, this is a Highlighted Topic rather than a standalone NOFO, so applicants apply through an appropriate NIH Parent Funding Announcement or other broad opportunity on Grants.gov rather than a dedicated solicitation with its own SBIR/STTR dollar figures.
This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), with additional participation from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), all of which are seeking interdisciplinary research that bridges immunology and neuroscience to transform understanding of the aging brain and AD/ADRD.
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 technologies, clinical tools, software platforms, and evidence-based interventions related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Eligible activities may include:
Development of speech-generating devices and AAC communication platforms
AI and machine learning tools for adaptive communication support
Personalized AAC assessment and recommendation systems
Precision measurement tools for tracking communication outcomes
Digital health platforms supporting AAC users and caregivers
Literacy instruction technologies for AAC users
Mobile applications supporting non-speaking and minimally verbal individuals
Predictive analytics and communication profiling systems
User-centered design and accessibility research for AAC technologies
Tools supporting communication partner engagement and training
Clinical software for AAC implementation and therapy management
Mixed-methods research platforms for communication needs analysis
Technologies supporting lifelong AAC adaptation and personalization
Remote monitoring and telehealth solutions for speech and communication therapy
Assistive technologies supporting autism, ALS, cerebral palsy, and related conditions
Research evaluating quality-of-life and well-being outcomes for AAC users
Prototype development, validation studies, and usability testing
Commercialization planning and implementation strategy development
Funding may also support personnel, software development, usability studies, clinical testing, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, accessibility design, data collection, intellectual property protection, regulatory preparation, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable AAC 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.
