Targeting RNA in Disease with Novel Technologies (TRDNT) Challenge
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The NIH Targeting RNA in Disease with Novel Technologies (TRDNT) Challenge is seeking novel technologies that target endogenous RNA to address diseases driven by RNA dysfunction or difficult-to-drug protein targets. Unlike traditional grant programs, this is a prize competition that rewards promising concepts and technologies through multiple phases.
Phase I is focused on planning and proposal development. Applicants must describe a novel RNA-targeting technology, explain the health need it addresses, and provide a roadmap for developing the technology into a prototype in future phases.
The application deadline is July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Companies and research teams developing innovative RNA-targeting approaches should evaluate this opportunity quickly, as Phase I winners may be well-positioned for anticipated future prize phases totaling up to $13.1 million.
How much funding would I receive?
Phase I (Currently Open)
Up to $20,000 per winner
Up to 25 winners
Total Phase I prize pool: up to $500,000
Future Phases (Anticipated)
Phase II: Prototype Development and Use Case Demonstration
Interim Milestone Prize: Up to $120,000 per winner
Up to 25 winners
Final Submission Prize: Up to $320,000 per winner
Up to 15 winners
Phase III: Final Iteration and Technology Dissemination
Winner Prize: Up to $525,000 per winner
Up to 8 winners
Runner-Up Prize: Up to $200,000 per winner
Up to 3 winners
NIH states that the announcement of Phases II and III is discretionary and contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.
What could I use the funding for?
Phase I funding supports development of a proposal for a novel RNA-targeting technology.
Applicants must submit:
A description of the technology
The significant health need it addresses
An early-stage technical concept
A development plan for future prototype creation
A proposed use case demonstrating future therapeutic potential
The challenge is focused on technologies that target endogenous RNA in disease and may include:
RNA-RNA binding protein (RBP) interaction technologies
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) targeting approaches
RNA-protein interaction discovery platforms
RNA-targeting small molecule screening technologies
Technologies that modify aberrant RNA structures
Submissions are not limited to these examples but must align with the challenge goal.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
In addition to prize funding, participants may receive:
Validation from NIH subject matter experts
Visibility within the RNA therapeutics ecosystem
Potential eligibility to participate in future challenge phases
An opportunity to contribute technologies intended for broad scientific use
NIH also encourages winners to pursue future NIH funding opportunities, although no future funding is guaranteed.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Phase I Timeline
Challenge Launch: January 30, 2026
Submission Open: May 30, 2026
Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Judging: July–August 2026
Winners Announced: August 2026
Anticipated Future Phases
Phase II
Launch: August 2026
Interim Milestone Submission: November 2026–January 2027
Interim Winners Announced: March 2027
Final Submission: June–July 2027
Final Winners Announced: October 2027
Phase III
Launch: November 2027
Submission Window: August–October 2028
Winners Announced: January 2029
All future phase timelines are anticipated and subject to NIH discretion.
Where does this funding come from?
This challenge is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Common Fund through the NIH Venture Program.
The program is administered through the NIH Office of the Director and is intended to support innovative technologies that address priorities shared across multiple NIH Institutes and Centers.
The challenge is conducted under the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, as amended.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible participants include:
Individuals
Teams of individuals
Startups
Small businesses
Mid-size businesses
Large businesses
Nonprofit organizations
Academic institutions
Independent research institutions
To be eligible for a prize:
Individuals must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Private entities must be incorporated in the United States and maintain a primary place of business in the United States
Participants must be at least 18 years old
Federal employees acting within the scope of their employment are not eligible.
Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents may participate on eligible teams but are not eligible to receive prize money.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
NIH states that highly competitive submissions will:
Target endogenous RNA to treat disease
Address unmet medical needs
Demonstrate relevance across multiple diseases
Present innovative and novel approaches
Avoid well-established and widely utilized technologies
Provide sufficient technical detail to support future prototyping
Demonstrate a realistic development plan
Identify potential development risks and mitigation strategies
Show that the team possesses, or can quickly obtain, the expertise required for execution
Phase I judging emphasizes:
Potential clinical impact (30%)
Novelty of the proposed solution (30%)
Likelihood that the team can successfully develop the technology (30%)
Completeness of the submission (10%)
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions include:
Only technologies targeting endogenous RNA are considered competitive.
Standard RNA therapeutic programs are not the focus unless they specifically target endogenous RNA in a manner aligned with challenge goals.
Federal contractors may not use federal contract funds to support submissions.
Participants using federal grant, cooperative agreement, or OT award funding must comply with applicable federal requirements.
NIH receives a royalty-free, nonexclusive worldwide license to reproduce, publish, post, link to, share, and publicly display submissions.
Participants retain their intellectual property rights.
Winning technologies are expected to be made publicly available to the scientific community in future phases.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Applicants should expect a moderate preparation effort.
Phase I requires:
A Title and Executive Summary
A written proposal of up to 10 pages
A development roadmap
Technical concept documentation
Discussion of expertise, resources, and potential development challenges
References
For teams with an existing RNA-targeting technology concept, preparation may primarily involve organizing technical and commercialization plans. For earlier-stage concepts, additional time may be required to develop a credible prototype development strategy.
The solicitation does not specify an expected preparation timeline.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support applicants by:
Assessing alignment with NIH's RNA-targeting objectives
Positioning the technology against the evaluation criteria
Developing a compelling clinical impact narrative
Strengthening technical concept documentation
Building a clear prototype development roadmap
Identifying and addressing reviewer concerns
Preparing submission materials for compliance with challenge requirements
Managing the overall application process from kickoff through submission
