NASA - Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

NASA’s Flight Opportunities program is accepting applications for the Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge, the fifth challenge in the NASA TechLeap Prize series. The program is designed to advance technologies that support in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) by funding payloads that can be manipulated, installed, reconfigured, or activated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit.

NASA plans to select up to three winners, each with the opportunity to receive up to $500,000 in prize funding across three phases. In addition, NASA intends to offer Phase 3 winners a flight test aboard a hosted orbital spacecraft at no additional cost.

The application deadline is August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Applicants must complete registration by July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

How much funding would I receive?

NASA will select up to three winners.

Each winner may receive up to $500,000 in total prize funding across three phases:

• Phase 1: $200,000

• Phase 2: Additional $200,000

• Phase 3: Additional $100,000

Funding is awarded as a prize competition rather than a grant.

What could I use the funding for?

According to the challenge FAQ, prize funds are distributed directly to winners and may be used however the winner sees fit, provided eligibility requirements continue to be met throughout all phases.

Applicants are permitted to include any cost categories they believe support payload development, including contingencies for risk mitigation.

NASA states that budgets should exclude flight test costs because NASA intends to provide the flight opportunity separately.

Example application areas identified by NASA include:

• Robotic inspection

• Structural assembly

• Sensor deployment

• Material processing

• Modular systems that can be swapped, upgraded, or reconfigured in orbit

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Benefits include:

• Support from NASA subject matter experts during payload development.

• Technical engagement to ensure compatibility with the Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) mission.

• Site visit feedback from field judges during later phases.

• NASA intends to offer Phase 3 winners a flight test aboard a hosted orbital spacecraft at no additional cost.

• Opportunity to demonstrate hardware in orbit using the FFR robotic platform.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Key deadlines:

• Challenge launch: May 20, 2026

• Virtual information session: June 18, 2026

• Registration deadline: July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET

• Application deadline: August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET

• Phase 1 winners announced: September 2026

Phase schedule:

Phase 1 – Application Period

• Applications submitted and evaluated

• Up to three winners receive $200,000

Phase 2 – Final Design and Initial Build

• September 2026 through December 2026

• Winners finalize designs and begin payload construction

• Eligible for an additional $200,000

Phase 3 – Complete Build for Integration

• December 2026 through May 2027

• Winners complete payloads and prepare for flight integration

• Eligible for an additional $100,000

• NASA intends to offer a flight test opportunity at no additional cost

The application deadline is August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Where does this funding come from?

The challenge is sponsored by NASA through the Flight Opportunities program as part of the NASA TechLeap Prize series.

The challenge supports NASA’s objectives in In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older.

• U.S.-incorporated organizations with a primary place of business in the United States.

• Teams led by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is 18 years of age or older.

• For-profit organizations.

• Nonprofit organizations.

• Universities and academic organizations that meet eligibility requirements.

Additional eligibility requirements apply.

Foreign nationals may participate on teams under specific conditions described in the challenge rules.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the published evaluation criteria, the strongest applications will:

• Address a clearly defined ISAM capability gap.

• Make robotic manipulation central to the payload’s value proposition.

• Demonstrate a meaningful advancement in in-space servicing, assembly, or manufacturing.

• Define measurable success metrics for an on-orbit demonstration.

• Present a technically sound design compatible with FFR mission requirements.

• Demonstrate strong systems engineering practices.

• Provide a credible path to flight readiness within the competition timeline.

• Identify risks and present realistic mitigation strategies.

• Show the team has the experience, resources, and project management capabilities required to deliver a flight-ready payload.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Applicants may submit only one application as the lead applicant.

• Applicants cannot receive U.S. government funding twice for the same scope of work.

• Organizations already receiving government funding to develop a similar flight-ready payload may be ineligible.

• Federal entities and federal employees acting within the scope of employment are not eligible for awards.

• Employees of NASA, Luminary Labs, Motiv Space Systems, Rocket Lab Corporation, their affiliates, and certain related individuals are not eligible.

• Participants must maintain at least $250,000 in liability insurance coverage or otherwise demonstrate financial responsibility for that amount.

• Applications must be submitted in English.

• Organizations must maintain a primary place of business in the United States.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The challenge uses a competitive application process requiring:

• Technical payload concept development

• Systems engineering planning

• Budget preparation

• Risk assessment

• Flight-readiness planning

• A video pitch

• Written application responses

Because applicants must demonstrate technical feasibility, mission compatibility, project execution capability, and clear ISAM impact, most teams should expect a substantial preparation effort. The solicitation does not specify an estimated application preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Evaluate whether your payload concept aligns with NASA’s stated scoring criteria.

• Identify and articulate the ISAM capability gap your technology addresses.

• Develop compelling success metrics tied directly to evaluation criteria.

• Strengthen project plans, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Review technical narratives for consistency with NASA requirements.

• Maximize competitiveness before submission.

Review solicitation here.

Rapid Electromagnetic Warfare & Signals Intelligence (REWSI)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army’s Project Manager Electromagnetic Warfare & Collection (PM EW&C) is seeking commercial Electromagnetic Warfare & Collection (EW&C) capabilities through the Rapid Electromagnetic Warfare & Signals Intelligence (REWSI) Call for Solutions under the Army Open Solicitation (AOS) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). The Army intends to establish one or more commercial contracts and may also award prototype Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) to rapidly acquire and field electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) capabilities.

This opportunity is designed for companies with mature commercial technologies or post-prototype capabilities that can help the Army sense, locate, attack, protect, and manage spectrum-dependent systems in denied, degraded, intermittent connectivity, or limited bandwidth (DDIL) environments.

Solution Brief Due Date/Time: 22 April 2027 1600 EST. Solution briefs received after this date and time will not be considered.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, contract ceilings, minimum awards, maximum awards, or funding ranges.

Offerors are required to provide a notional pricing structure, including unit pricing, quantity discounts, and sustainment pricing, but no government funding amount is stated.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the production, sustainment, and associated services for EW&C capabilities aligned with the Army’s EMSO requirements.

Solutions should address one or more of the following areas:

• Electromagnetic Attack (EA)

• Electromagnetic Surveillance (ES) / Support

• Electromagnetic Protection (EP) / Protect

• Common Services supporting open architecture integration and data exchange standards

The Army is interested in capabilities that are:

• Resilient

• Adaptable

• Modular

• Scalable

• AI/ML-enabled

• Rapidly Deployable

• Secure

• Interoperable with Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) architectures

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Access to a streamlined acquisition pathway intended to accelerate delivery of capabilities to Army units.

• Consideration for one or more commercial contracts, including potential IDIQ awards.

• Consideration for prototype OTA awards for solutions requiring additional maturation.

• If not immediately selected, solutions may be retained in a government library for up to 12 months for future consideration.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

The selection process consists of three stages:

1. Solution Brief Submission

2. Pitch Session / Vendor Technical Demonstration (PS/VTD)

3. Proposal Submission

Solution Brief Due Date/Time: 22 April 2027 1600 EST. Solution briefs received after this date and time will not be considered.

Additional timeline details:

• The Call will remain open for no more than 12 months from the original posting.

• Reviews may occur on an ongoing basis as submissions are received.

• There is no specified timeline for awards. Evaluation of submissions will continue throughout the open period.

The solicitation does not specify when funding, contracts, or OTA awards would be issued following selection.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is sponsored by:

• Capability Program Executive Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare (CPE ISW)

• Project Manager Electromagnetic Warfare & Collection (PM EW&C)

The contracting activity is:

• Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG)

The solicitation is being issued under the Army Open Solicitation (AOS) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO).

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation invites submissions from parties with innovative solutions that address the EW&C requirements described in the Call.

The Government is specifically seeking:

• Commercially available EW&C capabilities

• Mature commercial solutions

• Post-prototype capabilities

• Solutions that may require additional development

• Fully commercialized and currently fielded technologies

The solicitation does not specify company size restrictions, small business requirements, geographic restrictions, ownership requirements, or other eligibility categories.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated evaluation criteria, the strongest applicants will likely be companies that can demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with Army EMSO objectives.

• Solutions addressing EA, ES, EP, or Common Services requirements.

• Mature, technically credible capabilities with demonstrated performance potential.

• Open architecture approaches that support MOSA, SOSA, APIs, and NGC2 integration.

• AI/ML-enabled capabilities that improve sensing, geolocation, targeting, and decision-making.

• Demonstrated production capacity, sustainment planning, training support, and scalability.

• Strong operational readiness supported by testing, pilot programs, previous fieldings, or work with government entities.

The Government states that vendor selection will be based on:

• Relevance to EMSO requirements

• Maturity of the offering

• Demonstrated ability to produce and sustain capabilities

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• Solution Briefs must clearly demonstrate relevance to EMSO requirements or they will not be considered.

• Solution Briefs are limited to a maximum of ten (10) pages or slides, excluding the coversheet or title page.

• Solution Briefs must be written in English.

• The period of performance for any Solution Brief or proposal should generally be no greater than twelve (12) months.

• Solution Briefs received after 22 April 2027 1600 EST will not be considered.

• Vendors must register on the VULCAN platform to submit solution briefs or proposals.

• Submitted materials may be reviewed by support contractors and Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) personnel operating under nondisclosure requirements.

The solicitation does not specify cost-share requirements.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation requires a Solution Brief of up to ten pages or slides addressing:

• Capability description

• Technical alignment

• Technical maturity or TRL

• Company experience and past performance

• Production and sustainment approach

• Pricing structure

The solicitation does not specify an expected proposal preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Go/no-go assessment against the Army’s EMSO evaluation criteria

• Solution Brief development and narrative drafting

• Positioning around EMSO technical objectives, MOSA, SOSA, NGC2, and AI/ML requirements

• Pricing strategy development and ROM presentation

• Pitch Session and Vendor Technical Demonstration preparation

• Proposal and Statement of Work support for companies invited to Step 3

Review solicitation here.

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

Review solicitation here.

ARPA-H | BRAIN REPAIR OF ANY INJURED NEURAL STRUCTURE | BRAINS | HEALTH SCIENCE FUTURES | ARPA-H-SOL-26-148

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H’s Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) program is seeking breakthrough approaches to regenerate and replace damaged brain tissue in regions outside the neocortex and spinal cord. The goal is to develop technologies that can generate region-specific precursor brain tissue and demonstrate surgical engraftment into damaged brain regions, laying the groundwork for future therapies that restore lost neurological function.

This opportunity is designed for ambitious teams pursuing transformative—not incremental—approaches to brain repair. ARPA-H specifically seeks technologies that could enable replacement of damaged tissue in brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus, striatum, substantia nigra, brainstem, and cerebellum. Proposals focused on the neocortex or spinal cord will not be reviewed.

There are two application cycles. The first application deadline is July 9th, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time for Solution Summaries. The second application deadline is January 7th, 2027, 5:00 PM Eastern Time for Solution Summaries.

How much funding would I receive?

ARPA-H anticipates:

• Phase I awards of $500,000 per team per Technical Area (TA)

• The possibility of an additional $500,000 per team per TA for Phase II

The solicitation also states that ARPA-H intends to negotiate multiple Other Transaction (OT) Agreements with selected performers.

The total number of awards is not specified.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support projects addressing one or both of the following Technical Areas:

TA1: Defining and generating precursor tissue for any brain region

• Characterization of natural precursor tissue

• Identification of cellular and extracellular components

• Generation of human iPSC-derived precursor cells

• Development and validation of precursor tissue generation methods

TA2: Optimizing surgical engraftment of precursor tissue

• Development of transplantation methods

• Demonstration of graft survival and vascularization

• Demonstration of tissue maturation, structure, and connectivity in animal models

Projects must address all milestones and metrics associated with either one Technical Area or both.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The solicitation states that selected performers may receive:

• Funding through an Other Transaction (OT) Agreement structure.

• Direct engagement with ARPA-H program leadership through:

  • Monthly technical status reporting

  • Monthly meetings with the ARPA-H Program Manager

  • Potential site visits and technical reviews by ARPA-H personnel throughout performance.

No other additional benefits are specified.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

BRAINS has two intake groups. Applicants must first submit a Solution Summary and, if encouraged by ARPA-H, may then submit a Full Proposal.

Intake Group 1

• Solution Summaries Due: July 9th, 2026, 5:00 PM

• Full Proposals Due: August 6th, 2026, 5:00 PM

Intake Group 2

• Solution Summaries Due: January 7th, 2027, 5:00 PM

• Full Proposals Due: February 6th, 2027, 5:00 PM

Program structure:

• 18-month project duration

• Two 9-month phases

• Down-select at the end of Phase I based on milestone achievement.

The solicitation does not specify when award decisions will be made or when funding will be received.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding comes from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The federal agency listed in the solicitation is ARPA-H.

Program title:
Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS).

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation states that all responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs may submit a proposal. Eligible organizations include:

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• Other than small businesses (large businesses)

ARPA-H states that early career investigators are preferred.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Active SAM.gov registration.

• Work conducted in the United States is prioritized.

• Non-U.S. entities may participate subject to applicable restrictions.

Ineligible entities include:

• Organizations currently providing contracted support services to ARPA-H where an unmitigable OCI exists.

• FFRDCs and Government entities acting as prime or sub-performers, except under limited circumstances described in the solicitation.

• Covered foreign entities and other restricted organizations identified in the solicitation.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated evaluation criteria, ARPA-H is looking for projects that are:

• Innovative, feasible, and technically strong.

• Led by teams with demonstrated expertise and relevant experience.

• Capable of transforming biomedicine and addressing unmet medical needs.

• Positioned for future research, commercial, and/or clinical impact.

• Pursuing revolutionary approaches rather than incremental improvements.

The solicitation specifically states that ARPA-H seeks approaches that will generate precursor tissue capable of restoring function in damaged brain regions and demonstrate successful engraftment in preclinical models.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

The solicitation specifically excludes proposals that:

• Offer incremental improvements to the current state-of-the-art.

• Use human embryos.

• Use human fetal tissue.

• Do not address the objectives of the BRAINS Exploratory Topic.

Additional restrictions include:

• Proposals addressing the neocortex or spinal cord will not be reviewed.

• Cell-based and state-of-the-art organoid approaches will not be considered.

• Research must comply with applicable HHS stem cell policies and regulations.

• HHS funds may not be used for dangerous gain-of-function research.

• Various research security, foreign participation, and organizational conflict-of-interest requirements apply.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application process requires:

Step 1

• A mandatory Solution Summary submission limited to three pages (excluding permitted attachments).

Step 2

• A Full Proposal if encouraged by ARPA-H. The Full Proposal includes:

  • Technical and Management Proposal

  • Cost Proposal

  • Administrative and Policy Requirements Submission

  • Supporting schedules, milestones, and compliance documentation.

The solicitation does not specify the expected preparation time required to develop an application.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support applicants by:

• Assessing fit with BRAINS technical objectives and evaluation criteria.

• Developing the Solution Summary.

• Building the technical narrative, milestones, and commercialization positioning.

• Structuring budgets and proposal volumes.

• Coordinating subcontractors and proposal compliance.

• Managing submission through the ARPA-H process.

Review solicitation here.

AFGSC - Handheld Drone Detection Device Prototype

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), through the AFGSC OTA Partnership coordinated by Collaboration Link and Army Contracting Command – Rock Island, is seeking prototype handheld drone detection devices manufactured in the United States. The effort is focused on improving force protection and situational awareness at Priority Level 1 nuclear military installations.

The government is looking for lightweight handheld counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) detection devices capable of detecting, identifying, tracking, and assessing small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) during both day and night operations. Required features include integrated thermal imaging and night vision functionality, range detection over 1,000 yards, onboard storage, and image capture capabilities.

Applications are due by Jun 11, 2026 at 04:00 PM.

How much funding would I receive?

Estimated awards are between $500k - $2m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding would support the prototyping and potential fielding of handheld drone detection devices with capabilities including:

• Day and night usage

• Drone detection capabilities

• High precision infrared capabilities

• Image capture and recording options

• Range detection over 1,000 yards

• Onboard storage capabilities

• Manufacturing in the United States

The devices are intended to improve installation security posture, enable early threat warning, support security forces response actions, and reduce vulnerabilities posed by commercial and adversarial drone technologies.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Opportunity to prototype technology for Air Force Global Strike Command

• Potential pathway through an AFGSC OTA contracting vehicle

• Exposure to defense and national security end users

• Participation in a rapid down-select process anticipated within 30 days of posting

The solicitation does not specify follow-on production opportunities or additional program benefits.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

The challenge posting opened on May 21, 2026 at 05:00 PM. Applications are due by Jun 11, 2026 at 04:00 PM.

ONI anticipates a rapid down-select within 30 days of posting.

The solicitation does not specify award timing, funding disbursement timing, or project start dates.

Where does this funding come from?

This opportunity is being issued through the AFGSC OTA Partnership. The effort is coordinated by Collaboration Link on behalf of Air Force Global Strike Command’s Rapid Capability Division. Award is expected to be made under the AFGSC OTA in coordination with Army Contracting Command – Rock Island.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible, companies must:

• Be a small business with fewer than 500 employees

• Be located in the United States

• Have at least 50% ownership by U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• Perform all funded work in the United States

• Employ a Principal Investigator (PI) at least 20 hours per week

• Have the PI commit at least one month (173 hours) of work per six months of project duration

NSF states it does not fund:

• Companies majority-owned by multiple venture capital firms

• Companies majority-owned by private equity firms

• Companies majority-owned by hedge funds

The PI does not need advanced degrees.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation appears to favor companies with:

• Existing handheld drone detection technology

• U.S.-manufactured products

• Integrated thermal imaging and night vision capabilities

• Long-range detection capability exceeding 1,000 yards

• Experience supporting defense or security applications

• Ability to rapidly prototype and field solutions

The government specifically references concerns related to unauthorized drone incursions at strategic military installations and evolving adversary drone threats.

The posted scoring rubric places the highest weight on:

• Detection and identification performance (20%)

• Thermal and night vision integration (15%)

• U.S. manufacturing and supply chain compliance (15%)

Submissions will be evaluated using a combination of subject matter expert review and One Nation Innovation’s AI-powered rubric generation tools.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• Devices must be made in the United States

• Responses must be between 2–10 pages maximum

• Respondents must submit through https://gocolosseum.org

• Proposals must include:

  • Proposed Period of Performance

  • Proposed Applicable Documents

  • Proposed Technical Approach

  • Proposed Deliverables

  • Proposed Schedule with Milestones

  • Proposed Payment Schedule

  • Proposed Patents and Data Rights

  • Proposed Costs by Milestone including labor category breakdowns and ROM costs

• Respondents must complete the Agreement Holder’s Representations form

The solicitation does not specify cost share requirements, security clearance requirements, or export control restrictions.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application appears designed for rapid submission.

Required responses are limited to 2–10 pages and require:

• Technical concept

• Implementation approach

• Company information

• Past performance

• Milestone schedule

• ROM pricing and cost breakdowns

Companies with an existing prototype or mature drone detection capability could likely prepare a submission relatively quickly.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Position your technology against the government’s stated drone threat priorities

• Translate technical capabilities into defense customer language

• Develop a compliant OTA-style white paper submission

• Build milestone-based project plans and ROM budgets

• Strengthen your technical approach and deliverables package

• Support rapid-turn proposal preparation for accelerated timelines

Additional Resources

Learn more about the program here.

National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research Program (NSF SBIR/STTR)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The NSF SBIR/STTR program provides non-dilutive funding to U.S.-based startups and small businesses developing high-risk, high-impact technologies with strong commercial potential. NSF states it funds “nearly everything from biotechnology to wireless communications to quantum to semiconductors.” Companies begin by submitting a required Project Pitch to determine fit with the program before being invited to submit a full proposal.

The NSF SBIR/STTR program looks forward to receiving the submission of new Project Pitches in response to the new solicitations beginning on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Full proposal submission deadlines are:

• July 27 2026

• November 4 2026

• March 4 2027

Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date.

NSF emphasizes that the program is intended for technologies requiring substantial high-risk R&D and not “straightforward engineering or incremental product development tasks.” The process is highly competitive, with historical NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I funding rates between 10% and 20%.

How much funding would I receive?

If your proposal is awarded, NSF states you may receive:

• Up to $305,000 for a Phase I award.

• Up to $1,250,000 over two years for a Phase II award.

The solicitation materials provided do not specify award minimums, matching requirements, or the number of anticipated awards.

What could I use the funding for?

NSF states funding is intended for:

• High-risk research and development

• Deep technologies

• Foundational science and engineering innovations

• New products, services, and scalable solutions

• Technologies with strong commercial potential and societal impact

The program specifically supports technologies that:

• Require substantial technical innovation

• Address significant societal or national problems

• Create sustainable competitive advantages

• Demonstrate meaningful market pull and scalability

NSF explicitly states it does not fund:

• Straightforward engineering

• Incremental product development tasks

Areas of Interest

• Advanced Manufacturing (M)

  The Advanced Manufacturing topic aims to support emerging innovations in manufacturing with the potential to stimulate the nation’s manufacturing sector by improving efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability. Proposals should be driven by a foundational technology that significantly advances the way products are made. This can include, but is not exclusive to, technologies in new manufacturing processes, equipment, automation, modeling, and materials/minerals.

  Sub-Topics

  M1. Building and Infrastructure
  M2. Carbon Sequestration
  M3. Cybermanufacturing
  M4. Distributed Manufacturing
  M5. Ecomanufacturing
  M6. Modeling and Simulation
  M7. Natural Resources and Critical Minerals
  M8. Quantum Device Manufacturing
  M9. Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing
  M10. Other Manufacturing Technologies

• Advanced Materials (AM)

  The Advanced Materials topic addresses the development of new and improved materials for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Proposals may focus on the creation of innovative material systems and/or on critical fabrication, processing or manufacturing challenges involved in the successful demonstration and commercialization of novel advanced materials. A broad range of applications areas will be considered as part of this topic.

  Sub-Topics

  AM1. Advanced Engineering Materials
  AM2. Coatings and Surface Modifications
  AM3. Metals and Ceramics
  AM4. Novel Advanced Materials-based Sensors
  AM5. Structural and Infrastructural Materials
  AM6. Other Advanced Materials Technologies

• Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics (AA)

  The Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics topic focuses on innovations needed for building systems that organize and process large and ever-increasing volumes of structured, semi-structured and unstructured data to reveal actionable new insights. It also includes innovative knowledge management and data mining technologies that complement deep learning. Sample topics include data and knowledge management technologies for data acquisition, integration, annotation, governance and provenance; hardware and software for addressing the performance needs of analytical systems; technologies for continual learning in dynamic environments; technologies in data mining, visualization and optimization; and marketplaces for data and models.
  
  These subtopics are only meant to serve as examples. All proposals focused on the development of a new high-risk technical innovation and significant potential commercial and societal impact are welcome to apply, regardless of subtopic.

  Sub-Topics

  AA1. Building Analytical System for Learning from Dynamic Environments
  AA2. Data Mining, Machine Learning (Non-deep learning-based), and Reinforcement Learning
  AA3. Decision Support and Optimization
  AA4. Knowledge and Data Management Technologies
  AA5. Marketplaces for Data and Models
  AA6. Novel Visualization Technologies
  AA7. Software Technologies for Scalable Analytical Systems
  AA8. Other Novel Technologies

• Agricultural Technologies (AG)

  The Agricultural Technologies topic supports innovations enabling farm production ecosystems that support the proper utilization of natural resources. Such technologies may encompass systems-level and multidisciplinary solutions to enable complex agricultural practices that support increased biodiversity balanced with yield production.

  Sub-Topics

  AG1. Agroforestry
  AG2. Expanding Access to Farming
  AG3. Food Waste Mitigation
  AG4. Harvesting Complex Systems
  AG5. Improved Resilience through Interspecies Interchange
  AG6. Nature-based Solutions
  AG7. Polyculture Systems
  AG8. Precision Agriculture
  AG9. Resilient Supply & Distribution
  AG10. Other Agricultural Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  The Artificial Intelligence topic focuses on cutting-edge technologies in the field of deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware. The recent successes in computer vision, machine translation, natural-language processing and speech recognition have led to widespread use of learning-based systems in production and an unprecedented growth in AI systems that interact frequently with and/or on behalf of humans in highly personalized contexts. This topic especially emphasizes next-generation AI technologies that are not only safe and reliable but also fair, robust against sophisticated adversaries, privacy preserving, and efficient in terms of computational resources, energy, training data size, etc. It also includes cutting-edge hardware technologies needed for sustainable AI (i.e., novel devices and architectures to support the tremendous processing power needed by AI technologies), edge devices (i.e., intelligent systems on a chip for applications such as voice assistants) and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems.
  
  These subtopics are only meant to serve as examples. All proposals that are focused on developing a new high-risk technical innovation and that have significant potential commercial and societal impact are welcome to apply, regardless of subtopic.  

  Sub-Topics

  AI1. Cognitive Science-based Technologies
  AI2. Computer Vision Based AI Technologies
  AI3. Conversational AI Technologies
  AI4. Language-Based AI Technologies
  AI5. Novel AI Hardware Technologies (e.g. Neuromorphic Computing, High-performance Technologies for AI, Smart and Secure Edge Devices, etc.)
  AI6. Sustainable AI Technologies for Low Resource Environments
  AI7. Technologies for Trustworthy AI (safe, fair, transparent, privacy-preserving, explainable, and/or secure)
  AI8. Other Novel Technologies

• Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality (AV/VR/MR)

  The Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR) topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel hardware/software that can create shared experiences to translate research-based insights into commercializable opportunities for scalable, real-world application.
  
  Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in education or workforce development, training tools, upskilling an aging workforce, improving health and wellbeing, as well as technologies as an enabling platform to deliver shared experiences, virtual collaboration, and experiential learning.

  Sub-Topics

  AV1. Differentiated Hardware Technologies for AR/VR/MR
  AV2. Differentiated Software Technologies for AR/VR/MR
  AV3. UI/UX for Immersive AR/VR/MR
  AV4. Advanced Analytics for Collaboration in AR/VR/MR
  AV5. Other Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality Technologies

• Biological Technologies (BT)

  The Biological Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas to advance engineering and science innovation across the biological spectrum. Biological technologies have disrupted decades-old chemical, agricultural and medical products and services, producing a new bioeconomy. Potential breakthroughs in this space are on course to make major socioeconomic contributions by boosting productivity in industrial and agricultural processes, improving human health, and making advances toward environmental sustainability.
  
  Proposed projects should be focused on using or modifying living organisms, systems or biological processes to develop new technologies to produce biochemicals and medical and agricultural products. They may involve bioengineering to improve function in molecules, cells and tissues in humans, plants, animals and microbes. NSF also encourages proposals for enabling new technologies, such as new tools for genomics, proteomics and drug discovery; instruments for biological applications; computational and bioinformatic tools; and new manufacturing technologies for cells, tissues, organs and biologics (with the exception of clinical trials and schedule I substances).
  
  Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.

  Sub-Topics

  BT1. Animal Biotechnology
  BT2. Aquaculture
  BT3. Bio-Inspired Technologies
  BT4. Bioinstruments and Biosensors
  BT5. Cell and Tissue Engineering
  BT6. Fermentation
  BT7. Life Science Research Tools
  BT8. Microbiome and Microbial Diversity
  BT9. Plant Biotechnology
  BT10. Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering
  BT11. Other Biological Technologies

• Biomedical Technologies (BM)

  The Biomedical Technologies topic aims to support the early-stage development of novel products, processes or services that will enable the delivery of high-quality, economically efficient healthcare.
  
  Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.
  

  Sub-Topics

  BM1. Diagnostics
  BM2. Drug Delivery Methods
  BM3. Materials for Biomedical Applications
  BM4. Medical Imaging
  BM5. Monitoring Devices
  BM6. Other Biomedical Technologies

• Chemical Technologies (CT)

  The Chemical Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas of current and emerging commercial significance to many areas, including the broad chemical industry; food processing and technology; agrochemicals; chemical alternatives and organics; green chemicals; water treatment and separations; advanced catalysts and materials; and biochemicals. Sensing, data and advanced analytics technologies relevant to these fields are also appropriate for this topic area. Beyond improvement on technical specifications, it is important to also clearly identify the competitive landscape of what is currently possible and why the proposed innovation will have an impact commercially and/or from a societal benefit standpoint.

  Sub-Topics

  CT1. Biochemicals
  CT2. Catalysts, Advanced Chemicals and Materials
  CT3. Chemical and Environmental Sensing and Data
  CT4. Food Processing, Chemicals and Agriculture
  CT5. Green Chemicals and Chemical Alternatives
  CT6. Separations and Water Treatment
  CT7. Other Chemical Technologies

• Cloud and High-Performance Computing (CH)

  The Cloud and High-Performance Computing (HPC) topic focuses on innovations that result in substantial improvements to cloud computing or high-performance computing platforms. These improvements may be to computing power and efficiency, energy management, data storage, latency, data integrity and availability, cost, or any other factor of importance in such platforms, and may result from software- or hardware-based innovations. These subtopic areas are meant to serve as examples; all proposals with technical innovation and significant commercial potential are welcome, regardless of the specific area of focus of the project.

  Sub-Topics

  CH1. Algorithms and Applications
  CH2. Computational Architecture
  CH3. Convergence of AI and Cloud/HPC
  CH4. Edge Computing
  CH5. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
  CH6. In-memory Processing
  CH7. Interconnects
  CH8. Middleware
  CH9. Performance Monitoring
  CH10. Processing on Encrypted Data
  CH11. Processor Architecture and Design
  CH12. Resilience and Resource Management
  CH13. Other Cloud and High-Performance Computing Technologies

• Cybersecurity and Authentication (CA)

  The Cybersecurity and Authentication topic focuses on innovations related to the security and integrity of data and data processing and the authentication of people and devices. These subtopic areas are meant to serve as examples; all proposals with technical innovation and significant commercial potential are welcome, regardless of the specific area of focus of the project.

  Sub-Topics

  CA1. Computation on Encrypted Data
  CA2. Cryptography, including Post-quantum Cryptography
  CA3. Data Privacy and Integrity
  CA4. Device Authentication
  CA5. Distributed Ledger
  CA6. Encryption, including Homomorphic Encryption
  CA7. Network and Device Security
  CA8. Personal Authentication
  CA9. Secure and Trusted Computing
  CA10. Secure Machine-to-Machine Communication
  CA11. Security of Cloud and High Performance Computing (HPC) Platforms
  CA12. Other Cybersecurity and Authentication Technologies

• Digital Health (DH)

  The Digital Health topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest-stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel technologies that aim to improve physical or mental wellbeing or health, enable or assist individuals to increase or regain independence and quality of life and improve the delivery of healthcare including efficiency, reducing cost or improving outcomes.
  
  Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in healthcare or general wellness (medical image analysis, personalized medicine, EHR/EMR, Clinical decision support, Computer aided diagnostics, support or therapy, smart/connected medical devices) as well as technologies that enable or provide assistance to aging or disabled populations and individuals undergoing rehabilitation.

  Sub-Topics

  DH1. Assistive, Enabling and Rehabilitative technologies
  DH2. AI in healthcare and drug discovery
  DH3. Healthcare Workflow, Economics and Delivery
  DH4. Medical Diagnostics and Devices
  DH5. Physical, Mental and Behavioral Health
  DH6. Other Digital Health Technologies

• Emerging Technologies (EM)

  Breakthroughs at the edge of science and engineering are reshaping industries, redefining human capabilities, and creating new market spaces. The Emerging Technologies topic within the NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer program is designed for startups working on transformative innovations that defy conventional classifications — pioneering discoveries that could set the stage for the next technological revolution.
  

  This topic is for radical, high-risk ideas that leverage deep science and engineering to push beyond existing limitations. Proposals should introduce disruptive, category-defining solutions that may not fit within traditional NSF topic areas but have the potential to create entirely new industries or fundamentally alter how we interact with the world.
  

  Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Post-Silicon Computation & Intelligent Systems: Quantum logic, molecular computing or bio-inspired artificial intelligence architectures

  • Matter & Machines at the Extreme: Self-assembling nanostructures, programmable materials, or biohybrid robotic systems that blur the lines between biology and engineering

  • Living Technologies & Engineered Evolution: Synthetic biology innovations that harness evolution to create self-improving therapeutics, biocomputers, or sustainable biomaterials

  • Radical Energy & Resilient Earth Innovations: Zero-point energy exploration, deep-space resource utilization, or engineered photosynthesis for planetary-scale impact

  • Cognition & Human Augmentation: Direct brain-machine integration, digital telepathy, or neuroplasticity-enhancing interfaces that redefine intelligence

  • Unconventional Sensing & Interaction: Quantum sensors, femtosecond imaging, or technologies enabling new dimensions of perception If your startup is pioneering a new technological paradigm, building something that did not exist before, and pushing the limits of what's possible, the Emerging Technologies topic is your opportunity to secure early-stage funding for world-changing innovation.

  Sub-Topics

  EM1. Emerging Technologies

• Environmental Technologies (ET)

  Environmental Technologies covers a variety of areas of current and emerging commercial significance including environmental sensing, data, and advanced analytics. Please highlight any aspects of the proposed technology or approach that address a problem without a current solution, or one which is underdeveloped.

  Sub-Topics

  ET1. Conservation, Adaptation and Restoration
  ET2. Digital Ecosystem for the Environment
  ET3. Emission or Waste Reduction and the Circular Economy
  ET4. Food, Regenerative Agriculture, and Energy
  ET5. Measurement
  ET6. Resiliency
  ET7. Sustainable Community Systems
  ET8. Water Treatment, Resilience, and Sanitation
  ET9. Other Environmental Technologies

• Human-Computer Interaction (HC)

  The Human-Computer Interaction (HC) topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel HCI in the context of domains, such as health, education, families, or work to design new computing systems to amplify humans’ physical, cognitive, and social capabilities which translate research-based insights into commercializable opportunities for scalable, real-world application.
  
  Technologies in this portfolio include multimedia and multimodal interfaces, such as haptic, tangible, gestural, spatial, and wearable; brain-computer interfaces; intelligent and interactive user interfaces; affective computing; human state estimation involving interaction; and methods for interaction with artificial intelligence. This topic includes commercialization of computational methods and systems for creating and authoring video, audio, textual, visual, and multimedia forms in support of creative expression and ideation and includes technology-supported human-to-human communication and systems which foster innovation and dismantle barriers to scientific progress in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the development of information, interaction, networks, systems, and other forms of computation in response to human needs, desires, and intentions.

  Sub-Topics

  HC1. Multimedia and Multimodal Interfaces
  HC2. HC Computational Methods and Systems
  HC3. Smart Integrated Systems
  HC4. Human-to-Human Communication Systems via Technology
  HC5. Other Human-Computer Interaction Technologies

• Instrumentation and Hardware Systems (IH)

  The Instrumentation and Hardware Systems topic addresses the research and development of new and improved instrumentation and related systems for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Proposals in this topic may deal with new instruments for use in scientific, industrial, engineering or manufacturing environments, among others. Systems and tools designed for the purposes of detection, manipulation, characterization, measurement, processing, control or monitoring will be considered. A wide variety of applications areas will be considered as part of this topic.

  Sub-Topics

  IH1. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Actuation, Control, and Manipulation
  IH2. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Detection and Characterization
  IH3. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Imaging
  IH4. Other Instrumentation or Hardware Systems Technologies

• Internet of Things (I)

  The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly evolving field that involves the interconnection and interaction of smart objects (objects or devices with embedded sensors, onboard data processing capability, and a means of communication) to provide automated services that would otherwise not be possible. IoT is not a single technology, but rather involves the convergence of sensor, actuator, information and communication technologies. Emerging IoT implementations will use smaller and more energy-efficient embedded sensor technologies, more sophisticated actuators, enhanced communications and advanced data analytics to collect and aggregate information. These new tools will enable intelligent systems that understand context, track and manage complex interactions and anticipate requirements. Market verticals that are potentially impacted by innovations in this area include connected cities and homes, smart transportation, smart agriculture, industrial IoT, and retail IoT.

  Sub-Topics

  I1. IoT Communications
  I2. IoT Integrated Systems
  I3. IoT Sensors and Actuators
  I4. Networking
  I5. Other IoT Technologies

• Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC)

  The Learning and Cognitions Technologies topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel innovations which disrupt educational norms, challenge conventional methods of content delivery and workforce development with measurable results while remaining firmly anchored in foundational research. They equip individuals for success in emerging industries and undefined roles, bridging the gap between established curricula and the swiftly evolving knowledge landscape.
  
  Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in education or workforce development, training tools, upskilling an aging workforce, improving health and wellbeing, as well as technologies as an enabling platform to deliver innovative approaches to learning and cognition development which leverage groundbreaking technological advancements rooted in research.
  
  Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.

  Sub-Topics

  LC1. Advanced Learning Technologies
  LC2. Workforce Development and Upskilling
  LC3. Advanced Analytics for Learning and Cognition
  LC4. Innovative Approaches to Multimodal Learning
  LC5. Other Learning and Cognition Technologies

• Medical Devices (MD)

  The Medical Devices topic aims to develop novel medical device platforms, introduce innovative medical technologies or translate emerging scientific principles into health practice. Proposals should be considered leading edge innovations, typically based on a discovery, new approach or new scientific principle to medical devices or technologies.
  
  Limited human subject clinical studies may be acceptable if they are performed in support of feasibility or proof-of-concept objectives. The program does not support proposals to conduct clinical trials for sample size calculations, statistically demonstrate safety or efficacy or the development of pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates. Clinical work performed primarily for regulatory purposes or post market surveillance are also not allowed. Proposals requesting support for clinical trials are noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitation and returned without review.

  Sub-Topics

  MD1. Diagnostic Imaging or Monitoring
  MD2. General Medical Devices
  MD3. Implantable
  MD4. Manufacturing Processes or Prototyping Methods
  MD5. Materials (non biological)
  MD6. Procedural Technologies or Visualization
  MD7. Rehabilitation
  MD8. Wearables
  MD9. Women's Health

• Mobility (MO)

  The Mobility topic encourages novel innovations in the land, air, and sea-based movement of goods and people that improve sustainability and resiliency. Proposals responsive to this topic may include technical breakthroughs that address infrastructure and flow issues in global, urban and rural environments. Interdisciplinary and collaborative innovations to address multiple mobility grand challenges are welcome. All proposed innovations must be capable of a sustainable business model.

  Sub-Topics

  MO1. Traffic Congestion and Routing
  MO2. Safety and Navigation
  MO3. Disaster Resilience 
  MO4. Efficiency
  MO5. Supply Chain Transparency and Security
  MO6. Labor Shortages
  MO7. Accessibility
  MO8. Other Mobility Topics

• Nanotechnology (N)

  The Nanotechnology topic addresses the creation and manipulation of functional materials, devices and systems with novel properties that are achieved through the control of matter at a submicroscopic scale (from a fraction of nanometer to about 100 nanometers). This includes, but is not limited to, innovative hierarchical nanostructures, nanolayered structures, nanowires, nanotubes, quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanofibers and other nanomaterials and biomaterials and their composite structures.

  Sub-Topics

  N1. Nanomanufacturing

• Other Topics (OT)

  For projects that do not seem to fit into one of the other technology topic areas, but still meet the NSF SBIR/STTR goals of supporting research and development of deep technology with commercial viability and the potential to benefit society, please pick Other Topics and subtopic OT1. Project pitches and proposals submitted to Other Topics are typically transferred and reviewed in the topic area that best matches the underlying technical innovation. The program does not reject Project Pitches or proposals based on a non-ideal choice of topic areas. The program routinely moves Project Pitches or proposals internally among topic areas that seem to best describe the underlying technical innovation and to ensure the right program officer and reviewer panel sees the project.

  Sub-Topics

  OT1. Other Topics

• Pharmaceutical Technologies (PT)

  The Pharmaceutical Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas that advance the discovery, formulation, and manufacture of novel drugs, moieties, compounds, products, processes, platforms or services that will improve the selection, quality or price of pharmaceutical and biologic therapies.
  
  The Pharmaceutical Technologies topic is not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy and safety studies, the development of pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates, work on medical devices or schedule I substances, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable if they are performed in support of feasibility, proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies and must follow NSF policies on research on human subjects. Proposals that request support for clinical studies are noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.
  
  The NSF SBIR/STTR program no longer supports the development of specific therapeutic molecules. Drug Discovery and Manufacturing are still supported by the program.
  
  Subtopics are not aimed at supporting clinical trials, the clinical validation of information technologies, or medical devices or studies performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.

  Sub-Topics

  PT1. Drug Discovery
  PT2. Pharmaceutical and Biologic Manufacturing
  PT3. Other Pharmaceutical Technologies

• Photonics (PH)

  The Photonics topic addresses the research and development of new materials, devices, components, and systems that have the potential for revolutionary change in the optics and photonics industries. Photonic technologies can include anything generally operating in or using photons in the electromagnetic spectrum, from gamma rays down to long radio waves. Examples include lasers, various light emitting diode technologies (LED, OLED, QLED), radiation detectors, photonic integrated circuits, optical systems and novel communications technologies.

  Sub-Topics

  PH1. Advanced Metrology and Sensors
  PH2. Advanced Optical Components and Systems
  PH3. Communications, Information, and Data Storage
  PH4. Lighting and Displays
  PH5. Photonic Devices
  PH6. Photonic Energy Conversion
  PH7. Photonic Materials
  PH8. Photonic Metamaterials and Plasmonics
  PH9. Quantum Optics and Nanophotonics
  PH10. Silicon Photonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits
  PH11. Other Photonics Technologies

• Power Management (PM)

  The Power Management topic address the development of novel technologies that enable new power and thermal management solutions. Innovations supported could range from device-scale breakthroughs to embedded or standalone systems or grid-scale technologies.

  Sub-Topics

  PM1. Energy Harvesting Devices and Systems
  PM2. Materials and Devices for Power Electronics
  PM3. Materials and Devices for Thermal Management
  PM4. Novel Power and Thermal Management Sensors
  PM5. Power Electronics Circuits and Control Systems
  PM6. Power Management Infrastructure and Smart Grid Systems
  PM7. Systems for Thermal Management
  PM8. Other Power Management Technologies

• Quantum Information Technologies (QT)

  This topic focuses on innovations in information and communications technologies that rely fundamentally on quantum mechanical properties and interactions. Typically, such innovations will involve the generation, detection, or manipulation of quantum states to provide faster, more efficient or more secure information processing and communications. Proposals may include innovations at the component, sub-system or system level that result in substantial and usable improvements in the generation, transmission, detection, storage or processing of information, or the security and privacy of information. Proposed innovations must offer the potential for robustness, reliability, scalability and operation at temperatures that are practical within the constraints of the intended application. Innovations at the component and sub-system level should aim for compactness and energy efficiency, consistent with the requirements of the application.
  
  Examples of technology innovations in the quantum computing subtopic could include qubit generation and detection, development of computational models (quantum circuits, etc.), error correction, software, hardware sub-systems and systems and Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) computers. Examples of technology innovations in the quantum communications subtopic could include components such as sources, memories, repeaters, detectors, hardware sub-systems and systems, networks, cryptography and key distribution.

  Sub-Topics

  QT1. Quantum Algorithms
  QT2. Quantum Communications
  QT3. Quantum Computing
  QT4. Quantum Sensing and Metrology
  QT5. Quantum Simulation
  QT6. Other Quantum Information Technologies

• Robotics (R)

  The Robotics topic covers robot intelligence and experiential learning, particularly in the areas of high-performance processors or hardware that provides situational awareness and improved artificial intelligence. Innovations in voice, obstacle and image recognition, emotional response and hand-eye coordination are encouraged. We encourage proposals describing projects that borrow features from other animal nervous systems and include biologists, neuroscientists and psychologists on their team to exploit new knowledge in the study of the brain and behavior.
  
  NSF also seeks proposals that address next-generation automation; the flexible and rapid reconfiguration of assembly lines allowing mass customization; the use of advanced control, scheduling, modularization, and decentralization with agile, mobile robotic systems that can enable the cost-effective manufacture of small lot-size products; and on-demand parts manufacturing.
  
  Proposals to support the physical and educational needs of individuals with disabilities (e.g., vision, hearing, cognitive, motor related) are sought. Robotic applications in healthcare, smart drones and drone networks are appropriate. Medical devices focused on providing new capabilities to doctors including surgery; robotic exoskeletons to enhance human strength; personal robots with an emphasis on human-centered end use and interaction, personal caregiving and increased autonomy; future of work; flying taxis; reverse engineering the human brain; robot sense, motion, thought, and emotion; human-robot art; and robots of augmentation are welcome.
  
  Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.

  Sub-Topics

  R1. Human Assistive Technologies and Bio-related Robotics
  R2. Human-Machine Interfaces and Control/Architecture
  R3. Robotic Applications
  R4. Robotics in Agile Manufacturing, and Co-Robots
  R5. Underground or Underwater Robotics for Low-Visibility, Poor-Connectivity or Hidden Topography
  R6. Other Robotics Technologies

• Semiconductors (S)

  The Semiconductors topic addresses the research and development of new designs, materials, devices and manufacturing systems that have the potential for impactful change in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry.

  Sub-Topics

  S1. Electronic Devices
  S2. Electronic Materials
  S3. Integrated Circuit Design
  S4. Microelectronics Packaging and Systems Integration
  S5. Novel Semiconductor-based Sensors
  S6. Processing and Metrology Technology
  S7. Sustainable Semiconductor Manufacturing
  S8. Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Materials
  S9. Other Semiconductor Technologies

• Space (SP)

  The Space topic seeks transformative technologies to create solutions for sustainable space exploration, habitation or industrialization that could also have a positive impact on human lives.
  
  Applicants should address known capability gaps for enabling technologies for the space or terrestrial industries. Proposals in this area may focus upon launch vehicles or satellite and vehicle propulsion systems, in-space research or manufacturing systems and services, human sustainability, spaceflight or exploration infrastructure, data processing and communication technologies, orbital servicing, asteroid mining and microgravity applications.

  Sub-Topics

  SP1. Launch vehicles and propulsion
  SP2. Satellite technology
  SP3. Spaceflight infrastructure
  SP4. Data and communication
  SP5. In space services and production
  SP6. Human viability and sustainability

• Wireless Technologies (W)

  The Wireless topic involves next-generation wireless communication technologies requiring systems with high data rates, low costs and that support a wide variety of applications and services while maintaining full mobility, minimum latency, and long battery life. Devices and subsystems that increase data throughput rates via cell density; increased spectrum; multiple input, multiple output (MIMO); and new “antenna” concepts are encouraged. NSF welcomes proposals involving modulation and demodulation techniques for signal generation and reception through spectral efficiency, noise immunity, jamming immunity, and power efficiency; radio frequency (RF) pollution: devices and circuits; processing algorithms/3D spatial control; and high efficiency devices such as micro-TWT (traveling-wave tube), smart dust and inductive couplers. NSF seeks proposals in the areas of spectrum-related research and development activities that improve the efficiency by which the radio spectrum is used, and the ability of all members of the public to access spectrum-related services. Mobile and automotive radar, smart solar panels, on-panel DC-AC converters, openRAN (Radio Access Networks)-related devices and applications and self-testing and self-networking devices are also of interest.

  Sub-Topics

  W1. Communication and Networking Technologies
  W2. Networked Sensors and Sensing
  W3. Wireless Devices and Components
  W4. Wireless Systems
  W5. Other Wireless Technologies

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Additional benefits described in the solicitation materials include:

• Access to external technical and commercialization reviewers

• Feedback from NSF experts and review panels

• Eligibility for supplemental funding opportunities after Phase II

• Ability to apply for additional NSF funding after successful Phase I progress

NSF also notes that access to most Phase I award funds occurs at the time of award notification.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Application process timeline:

1. Complete the Project Pitch Assessment

2. Submit a required Project Pitch

3. Receive a response from NSF in approximately 1–2 months

4. If invited, submit a full proposal

5. Undergo proposal review and due diligence

6. Receive funding decision approximately 5–7 months after proposal submission deadline

Full proposal submission deadlines are:

• July 27 2026

• November 4 2026

• March 4 2027

Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date.

NSF states:

• Proposal review occurs approximately 1–3 months after submission

• Additional due diligence may occur approximately 3–5 months after submission

• Funding decisions occur approximately 5–7 months after submission

Where does this funding come from?

The funding comes from:

• The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)

• America’s Seed Fund

• NSF SBIR/STTR programs

The solicitation references:

• NSF 26-510: Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs SBIR/STTR: Developing Deep Technologies that Advance U.S. Competitiveness and Security

• NSF 26-511: Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs: A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible, companies must:

• Be a small business with fewer than 500 employees

• Be located in the United States

• Have at least 50% ownership by U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• Perform all funded work in the United States

• Employ a Principal Investigator (PI) at least 20 hours per week

• Have the PI commit at least one month (173 hours) of work per six months of project duration

NSF states it does not fund:

• Companies majority-owned by multiple venture capital firms

• Companies majority-owned by private equity firms

• Companies majority-owned by hedge funds

The PI does not need advanced degrees.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

NSF states it looks for companies and projects with:

• Strong technological innovation

• High-risk, unproven R&D

• Significant societal or national impact

• Sustainable competitive advantages

• Commercial potential and market pull

• Scalable business opportunities

• Technically qualified and commercially motivated teams

NSF specifically evaluates:

• Intellectual Merit

• Broader Impacts

• Commercial Impact

The solicitation materials state that proposals are reviewed by external technical and commercialization experts in addition to NSF program staff.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Important restrictions and requirements include:

• Only one Project Pitch per submission deadline is allowed

• Companies with a pending Project Pitch, Open Invitation, or proposal under review must wait before submitting another Project Pitch

• All funded work, including consultant and contractor work, must occur in the United States

• SAM registration is required before proposal submission

• SAM registration can take up to three weeks to complete

• Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date

NSF also notes that:

• An invitation to submit a proposal does not guarantee funding

• Historical Phase I funding rates have been between 10% and 20%

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation materials do not specify a required preparation timeline.

However, NSF states:

• Writing a full proposal requires a “significant investment of time and effort”

• Companies should begin registration processes “as soon as possible”

• SAM registration can take up to three weeks

• Research.gov registration can take up to 48 hours

The application process includes:

• Completing a Project Pitch

• Receiving NSF feedback

• Preparing a full proposal if invited

• Completing multiple federal registrations

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help companies:

• Assess fit with NSF SBIR/STTR evaluation criteria

• Develop a compelling Project Pitch

• Position the technical innovation and commercial potential clearly

• Draft and manage the full NSF proposal process

• Prepare commercialization and market positioning content

• Coordinate registrations and submission workflows

• Improve competitiveness against NSF review criteria

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $9,000 + 5% Success Fee.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the program here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Biomarker Discovery and Validation for Alcohol-Related Cardiovascular Diseases

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 discovering and validating biomarkers for alcohol-related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to improve early detection, risk prediction, disease phenotyping, prognosis, and mechanistic understanding of how alcohol exposure contributes to cardiovascular injury and disease progression.

NIH recognizes that alcohol-related cardiovascular disease is frequently underdiagnosed because current clinical assessments, imaging approaches, and commonly used biomarkers lack specificity for alcohol-associated pathology. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that distinguish alcohol-related disease mechanisms from non-alcohol-related or mixed etiologies using advanced biomarker strategies, AI-enabled analytics, multimodal datasets, and longitudinal population studies.

Companies developing cardiovascular biomarker platforms, AI-powered diagnostic systems, digital health monitoring technologies, predictive analytics tools, imaging technologies, EHR-integrated clinical analytics systems, or precision medicine platforms may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include alcohol-associated hypertension, atrial fibrillation, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, multimodal biomarker discovery, molecular phenotyping, digital biomarkers, imaging biomarkers, causal inference modeling, and sex-specific disease susceptibility analysis. NIH is also encouraging projects leveraging longitudinal cohorts, electronic health records (EHRs), Mendelian randomization, machine learning, and integrated multi-omics datasets to improve cardiovascular disease characterization and clinical translation.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), which is seeking transformative innovations that improve alcohol-related cardiovascular disease detection, biomarker science, precision diagnostics, risk stratification, and individualized prevention and treatment strategies.

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 cardiovascular biomarker technologies, AI analytics systems, precision diagnostics, digital monitoring tools, and translational cardiovascular research platforms related to alcohol-associated cardiovascular disease.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for alcohol-related cardiovascular disease risk prediction

• Biomarker discovery and validation technologies for alcohol-associated cardiovascular injury

• Multi-omics and systems biology analytics platforms

• Digital biomarker and wearable cardiovascular monitoring systems

• Imaging biomarkers and advanced cardiovascular imaging technologies

• EHR-integrated cardiovascular analytics and phenotyping platforms

• Precision diagnostics distinguishing alcohol-related versus non-alcohol-related CVD

• Predictive analytics for ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and cardiomyopathy

• Longitudinal cohort analysis and causal inference modeling systems

• Mendelian randomization and population health analytics technologies

• Sex-specific cardiovascular disease susceptibility and progression research platforms

• Prognostic biomarker development for disease progression and treatment response

• Clinical decision support systems for cardiovascular risk management

• Remote patient monitoring and cardiovascular digital health technologies

• Molecular pathway analysis and translational cardiovascular therapeutics research

• Integrated imaging, molecular, physiological, and digital biomarker platforms

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, cardiovascular imaging research, bioinformatics analysis, longitudinal cohort analytics, clinical trial preparation, wearable integration, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable cardiovascular or digital health 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Postnatal Human Developmental Stages and Transitions: Relationships to Aging Changes and Outcomes over the Life Course

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 understanding how postnatal developmental stages and biological transitions influence health, resilience, disease risk, and aging outcomes across the lifespan. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects investigating how physiological, metabolic, immune, neurobehavioral, and regenerative processes during childhood, adolescence, and maturation shape long-term functional capacity, chronic disease susceptibility, and healthy aging trajectories.

NIH is particularly interested in projects exploring how developmental timing, stage transitions, and biological plasticity influence protective phenotypes, stress responses, tissue repair, cognitive health, immune function, and metabolic regulation. Companies developing AI-enabled developmental analytics platforms, biomarker discovery systems, digital health monitoring tools, longitudinal health modeling technologies, neurodevelopmental assessment systems, precision aging platforms, or resilience-focused therapeutics may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include immune and endocrine maturation, neurodevelopment, metabolic programming, stress-response systems, regenerative biology, developmental biomarkers, sex differences, resilience mechanisms, cancer and aging interactions, complementary and integrative health approaches, nutritional influences, and translational interventions capable of sustaining or mimicking favorable developmental phenotypes into adulthood and aging. NIH is also encouraging projects using longitudinal cohort data, computational biology, multi-omics technologies, digital phenotyping, and translational model systems to improve understanding of life-course health trajectories.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including NIA, NCCIH, NCI, ECHO, OBSSR, and ONR, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve developmental health research, resilience science, aging biology, neurodevelopment, disease prevention, and life-course precision health strategies.

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 developmental health technologies, biomarker systems, AI analytics platforms, longitudinal monitoring tools, resilience-focused interventions, and precision aging solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for developmental trajectory and aging-risk prediction

• Biomarker discovery and validation systems for maturational transitions and resilience

• Longitudinal developmental and life-course health analytics platforms

• Neurodevelopmental, cognitive, and behavioral assessment technologies

• Immune, endocrine, and metabolic maturation monitoring systems

• Regenerative biology and tissue-repair research technologies

• Digital phenotyping and wearable monitoring systems for youth and aging populations

• Precision health and resilience-focused intervention platforms

• Computational biology and systems modeling for developmental and aging research

• Sex-specific developmental and disease-risk analytics technologies

• Nutritional status and developmental metabolism assessment platforms

• Complementary and integrative health intervention technologies for emotional resilience

• Cancer survivorship and treatment-related aging trajectory monitoring systems

• Stress-response and psychophysiological regulation analytics platforms

• Multi-omics, exposome, and environmental influence modeling technologies

• Translational therapeutics designed to sustain or mimic favorable developmental phenotypes

• Prototype development, translational studies, and longitudinal validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and implementation scaling activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, bioinformatics analysis, wearable integration, longitudinal cohort analysis, clinical research, biomarker testing, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable developmental health or precision aging 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Advancing the Science of Prenatal Dietary Supplements

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 the science of prenatal dietary supplements to improve maternal health, fetal development, and long-term child health outcomes. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to generate pregnancy-specific evidence for nutrient requirements, biomarker development, supplement formulation, bioavailability, and maternal-child health optimization across pregnancy and early life.

NIH recognizes that many pregnant women experience nutrient deficiencies while others may exceed safe nutrient levels due to inconsistent prenatal supplement formulations and limited pregnancy-specific evidence. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that modernize prenatal nutrition science through biomarker innovation, metabolomics, computational modeling, clinical nutrition studies, and translational supplement formulation research.

Companies developing prenatal nutrition technologies, AI-enabled nutrition analytics platforms, biomarker discovery systems, supplement formulation technologies, metabolomics tools, maternal-fetal monitoring systems, microbiome analytics platforms, or precision nutrition solutions may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include pregnancy-specific nutrient metabolism, micronutrient biomarkers, nutrient bioavailability, dietary supplement formulation science, maternal-child outcomes, fetal neurodevelopment, placental biology, prenatal exposure analytics, environmental interaction modeling, microbiome effects, and maternal cardiometabolic health. NIH is also encouraging projects leveraging stable isotope methods, multi-omics technologies, adaptive clinical trials, in vitro bioaccessibility models, and longitudinal maternal-child cohort data to improve prenatal nutrition recommendations and supplement safety.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including ODS, NIAAA, NIDCR, NIEHS, OBSSR, ODP, ONR, and ORWH, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve prenatal nutrition science, maternal-child health, fetal development, precision supplementation, and long-term health outcomes across the lifespan.

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 prenatal nutrition technologies, biomarker systems, supplement formulation platforms, maternal-fetal analytics tools, and precision nutrition solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for prenatal nutrition analytics and risk prediction

• Biomarker discovery and metabolomics technologies for pregnancy-specific nutrient assessment

• Prenatal dietary supplement formulation and bioavailability testing systems

• Stable isotope and nutrient metabolism research technologies

• Maternal-fetal monitoring and longitudinal health analytics platforms

• Precision nutrition and personalized prenatal supplementation systems

• In vitro bioaccessibility and nutrient absorption modeling technologies

• Multi-omics, microbiome, and maternal-fetal systems biology platforms

• Environmental exposure and nutrient interaction analytics systems

• Clinical nutrition trial infrastructure and adaptive study platforms

• Prenatal supplement stability, dissolution, and degradation testing technologies

• Alternative supplement delivery systems including encapsulation, emulsions, powders, and liquid formulations

• Neurodevelopmental, placental, immune, and cardiometabolic outcome monitoring technologies

• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) nutrition intervention platforms

• Craniofacial, dental, and skeletal development nutrition research technologies

• Real-world evidence and maternal-child cohort data integration systems

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, bioinformatics analysis, clinical nutrition research, analytical chemistry, toxicology testing, supplement formulation development, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable maternal health or nutrition science 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for Dietary Supplement and Nutrition research

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 developing and validating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for dietary supplement and nutrition research. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects aimed at replacing or complementing traditional animal models with more human-relevant systems capable of improving prediction of dietary supplement safety, efficacy, metabolism, and long-term health outcomes across the lifespan.

NIH is particularly interested in projects leveraging advanced human-based systems such as organoids, tissue chips, microphysiological systems, computational simulations, multi-omics platforms, and AI-enabled modeling tools to better understand how nutrients and bioactive compounds interact with human biology. Companies developing organ-on-chip systems, nutrition analytics platforms, AI-driven computational biology tools, dietary supplement testing systems, precision nutrition technologies, metabolomics platforms, or translational toxicology systems may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include nutrient absorption and metabolism, bioavailability and bioaccessibility modeling, microbiome interactions, chronic disease prevention, personalized nutrition, dietary supplement-drug interactions, aging-related nutrition changes, multi-organ physiology simulation, developmental nutrition impacts, and systems biology approaches for nutrition science. NIH is also encouraging projects focused on reproducibility, interoperability, longitudinal exposure modeling, and integration of genetics, sex, age, health status, and environmental factors into nutrition-related predictive systems.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including ODS, NCCIH, NEI, NHLBI, NIA, NIDDK, and ONR, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve dietary supplement evaluation, nutrition science, precision health, aging research, chronic disease prevention, and human-relevant biomedical modeling systems.

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 nutrition science technologies, organoid systems, computational modeling platforms, multi-omics analytics tools, and human-relevant NAMs for dietary supplement and food research.

Eligible activities may include:

• Organoid, tissue-chip, and microphysiological systems for nutrition and dietary supplement research

• AI and machine learning platforms for nutrition modeling and bioactive compound prediction

• Multi-omics, metabolomics, proteomics, and systems biology analytics technologies

• Computational simulations of nutrient absorption, metabolism, and longitudinal exposure

• Precision nutrition and personalized dietary intervention platforms

• Bioavailability and bioaccessibility testing systems for dietary supplements and processed foods

• Human-relevant toxicology and safety assessment technologies

• Microbiome and gut-brain interaction modeling platforms

• Chronic disease prevention and metabolic health nutrition technologies

• Aging-related nutrition and resilience prediction systems

• Ocular nutrition and vision-health modeling technologies

• Diet-related obesity, diabetes, GI, kidney, and endocrine disease simulation systems

• Nutrient-drug interaction and polypharmacy assessment platforms

• Biomarker discovery and validation systems for nutritional status and disease risk

• Food matrix interaction and multi-ingredient supplement evaluation technologies

• Real-world data integration and longitudinal nutrition analytics platforms

• Prototype development, translational studies, and validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, bioinformatics analysis, organoid research, analytical chemistry, toxicology testing, translational modeling, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable nutrition science 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Unexplained Anemia in Older Persons: Elucidating Etiologies, Improving Diagnoses, and Identifying and Testing Potential Treatment Strategies

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 improving understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of unexplained anemia of aging (UAA) — a major unmet clinical challenge affecting older adults. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary research aimed at uncovering the biological, clinical, and mechanistic causes of anemia in older individuals whose condition cannot currently be explained by existing diagnostic categories.

NIH estimates that approximately 30–50% of anemia cases in adults over age 65 remain unexplained, despite anemia being strongly associated with increased morbidity, mortality, reduced physical function, and diminished quality of life. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that improve identification of novel anemia subtypes, clarify disease mechanisms, develop precision diagnostics, and evaluate targeted therapeutic interventions.

Companies developing AI-enabled diagnostics, biomarker discovery platforms, hematology analytics systems, precision medicine technologies, geriatric care solutions, microbiome analytics, digital health monitoring systems, or novel therapeutic platforms may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include inflammatory and immune-related mechanisms, cellular senescence, clonal hematopoiesis, hormone-related pathways, microbiome interactions, multimorbidity modeling, cancer-related anemia risk, predictive analytics, clinical screening strategies, and intervention studies targeting newly identified anemia subtypes. NIH is also encouraging projects using novel alternative methods (NAMs), computational biology, translational models, and longitudinal epidemiologic studies to better understand aging-associated hematologic dysfunction.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), both of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment outcomes, survivorship, and quality of life for older adults affected by unexplained anemia.

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 diagnostics, biomarkers, predictive analytics systems, therapeutics, and translational research technologies related to unexplained anemia of aging (UAA).

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for anemia subtype identification and risk prediction

• Biomarker discovery and precision hematology diagnostic technologies

• Computational biology and multimorbidity analytics systems

• Microbiome and metabolomics research platforms related to aging-associated anemia

• Inflammatory, immune, and cellular senescence pathway analysis technologies

• Clonal hematopoiesis and genomic profiling systems

• Wearable and remote monitoring technologies for geriatric health and anemia progression

• Precision medicine and targeted therapeutic development platforms

• Novel alternative methods (NAMs), organoid systems, and translational disease models

• Longitudinal aging and epidemiological analytics infrastructure

• Clinical screening, recruitment, and trial-matching technologies for older adults

• Cancer survivorship and anemia-related treatment toxicity monitoring systems

• Predictive analytics for therapy tolerance, recurrence, and mortality risk

• Digital health and geriatric care coordination platforms

• Hormone-related and metabolic pathway intervention technologies

• Functional health and quality-of-life monitoring systems

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, bioinformatics analysis, preclinical studies, clinical trial preparation, microbiome research, biomarker validation, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable hematology or aging-health 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.

Review solicitation here.

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 proposals focused on integrating immunology, neuroscience, and aging research to transform understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects investigating how immune system dysfunction, neuroinflammation, infections, autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and aging-related immune changes contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

NIH is particularly interested in projects that bridge traditionally separate disciplines — including immunology, neuroscience, infectious disease, computational biology, and environmental health — to uncover novel mechanisms underlying AD/ADRD pathogenesis. Companies developing neuroimmunology platforms, AI-enabled biomarker systems, precision diagnostics, computational modeling tools, organoid systems, immunotherapeutics, microbiome analytics platforms, or neurodegenerative disease monitoring technologies may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include neuroimmune crosstalk, innate and adaptive immune dysfunction, immunosenescence, neuroinflammation, infectious disease interactions, autoimmunity, microbiome effects, exposome-related neurotoxicity, environmental exposure modeling, biomarker discovery, risk stratification, and immunotherapeutic development. NIH is also encouraging projects leveraging organoids, microphysiological systems, human tissues, AI and machine learning, computational neuroscience, and translational model systems to improve understanding of aging brain biology and AD/ADRD progression.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve neurodegenerative disease diagnostics, immune-based therapies, environmental health understanding, and precision approaches to Alzheimer’s disease and aging brain research.

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 neuroimmunology technologies, biomarkers, computational systems, diagnostics, immunotherapies, and translational neuroscience platforms related to AD/ADRD and aging brain research.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for AD/ADRD biomarker discovery and risk prediction

• Neuroimmune interaction and neuroinflammation research technologies

• Immunotherapeutic and vaccine development platforms for neurodegenerative diseases

• Organoid, microphysiological, and human tissue modeling systems

• Computational neuroscience and neuroimmunology simulation platforms

• Microbiome and infectious disease analytics related to neurodegeneration

• Precision diagnostics and early detection technologies for Alzheimer’s disease

• Immunophenotyping and immune-aging monitoring systems

• Environmental exposure and exposome analytics platforms

• Autoimmunity and neurodegeneration biomarker research tools

• Longitudinal cognitive monitoring and digital health assessment systems

• Translational neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease modeling technologies

• Predictive analytics for cognitive decline and disease progression

• Behavioral, social, and environmental factor integration platforms

• Multi-omics and systems biology technologies for aging brain research

• Novel therapeutic target discovery and validation systems

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, computational modeling, bioinformatics analysis, preclinical studies, organoid research, environmental health analytics, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable neuroscience 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Research on Chatbots and their Usage

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 understanding the benefits, harms, safety, and long-term impacts of conversational chatbot technologies in healthcare and health-related settings. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to rigorously evaluate how chatbot design, personalization, safeguards, and patterns of use influence health outcomes, clinical decision-making, autonomy, behavior, and trust across diverse populations and real-world contexts.

NIH recognizes that chatbots are increasingly used for symptom interpretation, chronic disease management, mental health support, caregiving, treatment decision-making, health information access, and social interaction — often without professional oversight. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that move beyond proof-of-concept to investigate causal mechanisms, unintended consequences, misinformation risks, automation bias, dependency, delayed professional care, and safe deployment practices.

Companies developing healthcare chatbots, AI safety platforms, conversational AI systems, digital therapeutics, clinical decision support tools, chatbot evaluation frameworks, governance systems, behavioral analytics platforms, or AI monitoring technologies may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include chatbot safety benchmarking, longitudinal user behavior analysis, AI transparency, guardrails and escalation systems, misinformation mitigation, mental health and substance use chatbot interventions, cancer care support tools, chatbot-human clinical integration, explainable AI systems, conversational AI for older adults and caregivers, and responsible AI frameworks aligned with healthcare interoperability standards such as FHIR and SMART on FHIR.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including NIA, NCCIH, NCI, NIDA, NIDCR, NIMH, NLM, OBSSR, and ODSS, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve safe, ethical, evidence-based deployment of conversational AI and chatbot technologies in healthcare and public health environments.

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, implementation, and commercialization of healthcare chatbot technologies, AI safety systems, conversational AI governance platforms, behavioral analytics tools, and clinical decision support solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• Healthcare chatbot and conversational AI platform development

• AI safety monitoring, guardrails, and escalation systems

• Chatbot benchmarking, validation, and misinformation detection frameworks

• Clinical decision support and symptom interpretation technologies

• Mental health, substance use disorder, and behavioral health chatbot systems

• Cancer care support, patient education, and survivorship chatbot platforms

• Longitudinal user engagement and dependency analytics systems

• Explainable AI, transparency, and responsible AI governance tools

• Conversational AI systems for older adults, caregivers, and vulnerable populations

• AI-enabled risk stratification and safety monitoring technologies

• Digital therapeutics and chatbot-assisted intervention platforms

• FHIR, SMART on FHIR, and healthcare interoperability integration systems

• Behavioral and social science analytics related to chatbot usage patterns

• Human-centered AI design and co-development frameworks

• Clinical workflow integration and provider oversight systems

• Privacy-preserving conversational AI and secure data-sharing infrastructure

• Prototype development, translational studies, and real-world validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and implementation scaling activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, cybersecurity systems, user research, behavioral analytics, implementation science, interoperability integration, stakeholder engagement, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable healthcare AI or conversational technology 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Strengthening Biomedical Research, Promoting Trust, and Improving Health through Bioethics Research

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 strengthening biomedical research, improving public trust in science, and advancing actionable bioethics research across biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and data-driven health research ecosystems. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to integrate ethical principles into emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, genomics, neuroscience, clinical trials, digital health, and data science to improve transparency, autonomy, equity, and long-term public engagement in research.

NIH is particularly interested in projects that address ethical challenges related to AI systems, digital health technologies, informed consent, data sharing, community engagement, participant autonomy, return of research results, privacy, neurotechnology, genomics, and biomedical innovation. Companies developing AI governance platforms, healthcare consent systems, ethical data-sharing infrastructure, digital health ethics tools, research engagement technologies, privacy-preserving analytics systems, or bioethics-focused clinical research platforms may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include AI transparency and generalizability, ethical design of neurotechnology and biomedical AI systems, genomic privacy, informed consent for wearables and electronic health records, community-centered clinical trial recruitment, ethical use of imaging and biometrics, return-of-results frameworks, health equity, data security, responsible AI deployment, implementation science, and trust-building approaches for underserved and vulnerable populations.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program and related NIH research mechanisms, with opportunities for Phase I and Phase II commercialization support depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by numerous NIH Institutes and Offices including OSP, BRAIN Initiative, NCI, NEI, NHGRI, NHLBI, NIA, NIAAA, NIAID, NIBIB, NIDA, NIDCR, NINDS, ODSS, OBSSR, and others, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that strengthen ethical biomedical research, trustworthy AI, responsible data use, participant engagement, and equitable healthcare innovation.

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, implementation, and commercialization of bioethics technologies, AI governance systems, informed consent platforms, data privacy tools, and community-engagement solutions for biomedical research and healthcare innovation.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI governance, transparency, and explainability platforms for healthcare and biomedical research

• Ethical data-sharing and privacy-preserving analytics systems

• Digital informed consent and participant autonomy technologies

• Community engagement and clinical trial recruitment platforms

• Ethical AI and neurotechnology assessment tools

• Genomics, imaging, and biometric privacy infrastructure

• Return-of-results communication and decision-support systems

• Research trust-building and public engagement technologies

• Data stewardship and FAIR/CARE-aligned research infrastructure

• Bioethics analytics and compliance monitoring systems

• Ethical frameworks for wearables, EHRs, linked data, and public health research

• AI bias detection and generalizability validation platforms

• Clinical trial transparency and adaptive research governance technologies

• Neuroethics and brain-computer interface ethics platforms

• Digital health ethics, implementation science, and health equity technologies

• Educational and workforce development tools supporting responsible biomedical innovation

• Prototype development, translational studies, and implementation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and deployment scaling activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, cybersecurity systems, community-engaged research, data governance implementation, usability testing, stakeholder engagement, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable bioethics or healthcare technology 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Health and Extreme Weather: Advancing Critical Research to Address the Direct and Indirect Health Impacts of Weather-Related Natural Disasters.

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 understanding, preventing, and mitigating the direct and indirect health impacts of extreme weather events and weather-related natural disasters. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to improve resilience, strengthen healthcare preparedness, develop evidence-based interventions, and better understand how environmental and meteorological exposures influence human health across the lifespan.

The NIH Health and Extreme Weather (HEW) Program is particularly interested in research addressing health risks associated with heatwaves, floods, hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, harmful algal blooms, extreme storms, humidity, air pollution, and other downstream environmental exposures influenced by weather-related phenomena. Companies developing environmental health technologies, climate-health analytics platforms, AI-enabled predictive systems, remote sensing technologies, wearable exposure monitoring tools, public health infrastructure systems, telehealth platforms, or resilience-focused healthcare technologies may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include environmental exposure modeling, population health surveillance, community resilience interventions, implementation science, disaster preparedness systems, longitudinal health monitoring, environmental data integration, wearable sensors, behavioral health interventions, healthcare continuity technologies, and predictive analytics related to weather-driven disease risks. NIH is also encouraging projects focused on vulnerable populations including children, older adults, pregnant women, first responders, rural populations, outdoor workers, cancer patients, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by numerous NIH Institutes and Offices including NIEHS, NHLBI, NIA, NIAID, NIMH, NIMHD, NINR, NCI, NIAMS, NCCIH, ODP, ORWH, and OBSSR, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve climate resilience, environmental health monitoring, healthcare preparedness, and population health outcomes related to extreme weather.

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, implementation, and commercialization of climate-health technologies, environmental monitoring systems, predictive analytics platforms, public health tools, and resilience-focused healthcare solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for extreme weather health risk prediction

• Environmental exposure monitoring and wearable sensor technologies

• Climate-health analytics and population surveillance systems

• Public health preparedness and disaster response technologies

• Telehealth and healthcare continuity platforms during natural disasters

• Environmental data integration and exposome analytics systems

• Community resilience and implementation science intervention platforms

• Heat stress, wildfire smoke, air pollution, and environmental toxin monitoring tools

• Predictive modeling for infectious disease, respiratory illness, and chronic disease exacerbation

• Remote patient monitoring for vulnerable and high-risk populations

• Behavioral health and mental health intervention systems related to disaster exposure

• Rural and underserved community healthcare infrastructure technologies

• Environmental justice and health disparities intervention platforms

• Cancer survivorship, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological resilience technologies

• Data interoperability and longitudinal climate-health research infrastructure

• Natural disaster recovery and healthcare systems coordination tools

• Prototype development, translational studies, and implementation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and deployment scaling activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, environmental sensing hardware, epidemiological analysis, implementation science research, healthcare systems integration, community engagement, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable environmental health or healthcare technology 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Quantum Information Science & Technologies for Biomedical Applications

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 applying Quantum Information Science (QIS) and quantum technologies to biomedical research, diagnostics, imaging, sensing, therapeutics, and computational biology. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects aimed at leveraging quantum physics principles to dramatically improve the precision, sensitivity, speed, and scalability of biomedical technologies and healthcare systems.

NIH is particularly interested in projects that integrate quantum technologies with classical biomedical systems to enable breakthroughs in disease detection, physiological sensing, biomolecular simulation, imaging, computational modeling, and therapeutic discovery. Companies developing quantum sensing platforms, quantum-enhanced imaging systems, quantum computing software, hybrid quantum-classical AI systems, biointerfaces, microfluidics, or advanced biomedical diagnostics may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include quantum-enhanced imaging, quantum biosensing, lab-on-a-chip diagnostics, quantum algorithms for biomolecular simulation, quantum computing for therapeutic discovery, optoelectronic biointerfaces, neural sensing technologies, quantum-enabled AI and predictive analytics, personalized medicine platforms, and translational quantum biomedical systems. NIH is also encouraging projects focused on portability, scalability, reproducibility, benchmarking against classical systems, and integration with clinical workflows and biomedical data infrastructures.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including NIBIB, BRAIN Initiative, NCATS, NCI, NEI, NHLBI, NIDCR, NIGMS, and ODSS, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that advance quantum-enabled healthcare technologies, diagnostics, computational biology, imaging systems, and biomedical research infrastructure.

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 quantum biomedical technologies, quantum computing platforms, sensing systems, imaging tools, diagnostics, and computational biology solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• Quantum-enhanced biomedical imaging systems

• Quantum biosensing and ultrasensitive diagnostic platforms

• AI-enabled hybrid quantum-classical computational systems

• Quantum algorithms for biomolecular simulation and therapeutic discovery

• Quantum-enabled lab-on-a-chip and microfluidic diagnostic technologies

• Optoelectronic biointerfaces for physiological monitoring and modulation

• Quantum sensing systems for neural recording and neuromodulation

• Portable quantum diagnostics and point-of-care testing platforms

• Quantum imaging for cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, ocular, and craniofacial diseases

• Hyperpolarized MRI, photon-counting CT, and quantum optical coherence tomography technologies

• Quantum computing platforms for predictive analytics and personalized medicine

• Wearable and implantable quantum-enabled biomedical devices

• Biomedical data integration and quantum-enabled AI/ML infrastructure

• Real-time biomarker detection and physiological monitoring systems

• Translational quantum technologies integrated into clinical workflows

• Benchmarking, reproducibility, and scalability frameworks for quantum biomedical systems

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, quantum hardware development, cloud computing infrastructure, AI model development, laboratory testing, computational modeling, biomedical imaging research, device prototyping, bioinformatics analysis, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable quantum healthcare or biomedical technology 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Enhancing Scientific Rigor, Transparency and Replicability

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 improving scientific rigor, transparency, reproducibility, and replicability across the biomedical research enterprise. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects that develop new tools, standards, methodologies, training programs, AI-enabled systems, and collaborative frameworks designed to strengthen the quality, validity, and reliability of scientific research outcomes.

NIH recognizes that reproducible and transparent research practices are essential for accelerating biomedical discovery, improving translational success, reducing bias, and maximizing public trust in science. The initiative is particularly interested in technologies and strategies that improve experimental design, metadata quality, protocol standardization, analytical reproducibility, AI validation, data interoperability, and dissemination of rigorous scientific practices.

Companies developing AI-driven research platforms, scientific workflow software, reproducibility analytics systems, metadata infrastructure, laboratory automation tools, benchmarking frameworks, biomedical informatics systems, open science technologies, or research collaboration platforms may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include AI-assisted rigor assessment, FAIR and TRUST-aligned data standards, automated metadata generation, reproducibility benchmarking, workflow traceability, protocol sharing, sex as a biological variable (SABV) frameworks, community-based training systems, common data elements (CDEs), multimodal data harmonization, laboratory automation, digital provenance tracking, and implementation science approaches that improve adoption of rigorous research practices. NIH is also encouraging projects supporting reproducibility in genomics, neuroscience, mental health, environmental health, imaging, clinical trials, aging, substance use research, and AI/ML evaluation frameworks.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program and related NIH research, education, and conference mechanisms, including opportunities for Phase I and Phase II commercialization support depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by a broad coalition of NIH Institutes and Offices including NINDS, NLM, NIBIB, NHGRI, NCI, NHLBI, NIA, NIMH, NIDA, NIAID, NEI, NCCIH, ORWH, ODSS, ODP, ODS, NIGMS, NIEHS, and many others, all of which are seeking scalable innovations that improve scientific validity, transparency, interoperability, and translational reliability across biomedical research.

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, implementation, and commercialization of scientific rigor technologies, AI-enabled research infrastructure, reproducibility analytics platforms, metadata systems, and biomedical data science tools.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning systems for assessing research rigor and reproducibility

• Automated protocol standardization and metadata generation platforms

• FAIR and TRUST-aligned data interoperability infrastructure

• Scientific workflow traceability and provenance tracking technologies

• Benchmarking and validation frameworks for AI/ML models

• Open science and collaborative research platforms

• Common data element (CDE) development and harmonization systems

• Biomedical informatics and multimodal data integration tools

• Laboratory automation and digital workflow capture technologies

• Research reproducibility analytics and variability assessment systems

• Clinical trial design optimization and statistical rigor tools

• Sex as a biological variable (SABV) reporting and analysis platforms

• Genomics, imaging, neuroscience, and environmental health reproducibility tools

• Community training, workforce development, and educational technologies

• Replication study infrastructure and scientific quality assurance systems

• Protocol sharing, versioning, and computational pipeline documentation platforms

• Prototype development, translational studies, and validation research

• Commercialization planning, implementation scaling, and regulatory preparation activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, biomedical data analysis, implementation science, standards development, stakeholder engagement, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable scientific infrastructure or biomedical research technology 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: GLP-1s: Implications for Nutritional Status and Metabolic Health Outcomes

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 understanding how GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) impact nutritional status, metabolism, chronic disease outcomes, and population health. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to investigate the biological, behavioral, clinical, and societal implications of rapidly expanding GLP-1 use, including both prescription therapies and dietary supplements marketed as “GLP-1 mimetics.”

NIH is particularly interested in research examining how GLP-1 therapies influence nutrient metabolism, body composition, appetite regulation, gastrointestinal function, microbiome composition, metabolic biomarkers, and long-term health outcomes. Companies developing AI-enabled nutrition analytics platforms, metabolic monitoring systems, digital therapeutics, wearable health technologies, precision nutrition platforms, dietary supplement testing systems, or real-world evidence platforms may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include metabolic health biomarkers, obesity and diabetes management, cancer prevention and survivorship, cardiovascular risk reduction, aging and cognitive outcomes, musculoskeletal health, ocular disease mechanisms, oral health effects, microbiome changes, and lifestyle interventions supporting GLP-1 treatment. NIH is also encouraging projects focused on the safety, composition, efficacy, and biological mechanisms of supplements marketed as GLP-1 mimetics, including interactions with prescription GLP-1 medications.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by numerous NIH Institutes and Offices including ODS, NCI, NEI, NHLBI, NIA, NIAMS, NIDCR, NIDDK, NINR, ODP, ONR, and OBSSR, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve metabolic health, nutrition science, chronic disease prevention, precision medicine, and evidence-based GLP-1 treatment strategies.

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 metabolic health technologies, nutrition science platforms, AI analytics systems, digital therapeutics, biomarker tools, and dietary supplement evaluation technologies related to GLP-1 therapies and metabolic outcomes.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for GLP-1 treatment optimization and metabolic monitoring

• Precision nutrition and personalized dietary intervention technologies

• Biomarker discovery and metabolic risk prediction systems

• Wearable devices and remote monitoring technologies for nutrition and body composition

• Digital therapeutics supporting GLP-1 adherence and lifestyle interventions

• Microbiome, metabolomics, and multi-omics analytics platforms

• Dietary supplement testing, formulation, and bioavailability evaluation technologies

• Real-world evidence and longitudinal outcomes research platforms

• Cardiovascular, sleep, and metabolic disease prevention technologies

• Cancer prevention and survivorship intervention systems related to GLP-1 use

• Aging, cognitive health, and neurodegenerative disease research platforms

• Musculoskeletal, bone density, sarcopenia, and fracture risk monitoring technologies

• Oral health, ocular health, and inflammatory response assessment systems

• Behavioral health, appetite regulation, and satiety analytics platforms

• Drug interaction and safety assessment technologies for GLP-1 mimetics

• Clinical decision support systems integrating nutrition and metabolic biomarkers

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, laboratory testing, nutritional analysis, wearable integration, clinical research, bioinformatics analysis, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable healthcare, nutrition, 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: School Mental and Behavioral Health: Expanding Access to Evidence-Based Interventions and Services

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 expanding access to evidence-based mental and behavioral health interventions in school and afterschool settings. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects aimed at improving prevention, screening, intervention delivery, implementation, and long-term sustainability of school-based mental health services for children and adolescents.

NIH recognizes that schools often serve as primary access points for healthcare and mental health services, particularly in underserved communities. The initiative is particularly interested in scalable, research-informed approaches that can be rapidly deployed using existing school infrastructure, school personnel, behavioral health providers, and community partnerships.

Companies developing school mental health technologies, AI-enabled risk screening platforms, behavioral health analytics systems, telehealth solutions, decision support tools, digital therapeutics, student engagement platforms, implementation science technologies, or care coordination systems may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include mental health risk identification, intervention matching systems, multitiered support frameworks (MTSS), behavioral health decision support tools, substance use prevention, implementation science, fidelity monitoring, workforce training, community-engaged intervention models, and scalable school-based service delivery systems. NIH is also encouraging projects focused on health equity, workforce shortages, youth participatory research, and sustainable implementation models that improve access to care for vulnerable student populations.

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 additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and implementation impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including NIMH, NIDA, NINR, NIAAA, NIMHD, ODP, and ORWH, all of which are seeking scalable innovations that improve school-based mental health care delivery, behavioral health prevention, implementation science, and long-term student well-being.

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, implementation, and commercialization of school mental health technologies, behavioral health intervention platforms, digital therapeutics, screening systems, and implementation science solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for student mental health risk screening

• School-based behavioral health assessment and monitoring systems

• Digital therapeutics and mental health intervention platforms

• Telehealth and virtual behavioral healthcare delivery technologies

• Decision support tools for matching students to interventions and services

• Substance use prevention and early intervention technologies

• Multitiered system of supports (MTSS) implementation platforms

• School-based care coordination and referral management systems

• Workforce training, supervision, and credentialing technologies

• Behavioral health implementation science and fidelity monitoring systems

• Student engagement and wellness support applications

• Community-engaged and youth participatory intervention technologies

• Mental health analytics and outcomes tracking platforms

• Equity-focused and culturally responsive behavioral health solutions

• Nurse-led and school staff-delivered intervention systems

• School-community partnership and integrated care delivery platforms

• Prototype development, implementation studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, scalability testing, and regulatory preparation activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, implementation research, telehealth deployment, behavioral health analytics, school systems integration, stakeholder engagement, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable school mental health or healthcare technology 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.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Tackling Acquisition of Language in Kids (TALK)

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 understanding, evaluating, and improving outcomes for children with late language emergence, commonly referred to as “late talking.” This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary research aimed at advancing knowledge of early language development trajectories, identifying predictive factors for long-term outcomes, and developing more effective interventions and support systems for children experiencing language delays.

Late talking affects approximately 10% to 20% of children and may occur alongside conditions such as autism, speech-motor disorders, sensory disorders, developmental disabilities, or without any known underlying condition. NIH is particularly interested in projects that improve understanding of developmental variability, language recovery pathways, persistent language disorders, and the impact of social, cultural, and environmental factors on communication outcomes.

Companies developing speech and language technologies, AI-enabled developmental assessment platforms, digital therapeutics, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, predictive analytics systems, educational technologies, caregiver support platforms, or longitudinal child development analytics solutions may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include longitudinal developmental tracking, predictive modeling, early identification tools, culturally responsive interventions, developmental trajectory analysis, communication assessment technologies, caregiver guidance systems, implementation science, and novel approaches to supporting communication success in children with diverse developmental needs. NIH is also encouraging projects leveraging existing datasets, AI and machine learning, telehealth delivery systems, and scalable digital interventions to improve clinical and community-based support for late-talking children.

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 primarily by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), both of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve childhood language development, developmental trajectory prediction, communication interventions, and long-term developmental outcomes.

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 speech and language technologies, developmental assessment tools, AI analytics platforms, AAC systems, and child development intervention solutions related to late talking and language development.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for language development prediction and assessment

• Speech and language screening and diagnostic technologies

• Longitudinal developmental tracking and analytics systems

• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies

• Digital therapeutics and communication intervention platforms

• Telehealth and remote speech-language therapy systems

• Caregiver guidance, education, and support technologies

• Developmental trajectory modeling and predictive analytics tools

• Autism, speech-motor, sensory, and developmental disability communication support systems

• Culturally and linguistically responsive language assessment platforms

• Educational technologies supporting early language acquisition

• Natural language processing (NLP) tools for child communication analysis

• Early identification and intervention systems for language disorders

• Clinical decision support and personalized treatment planning platforms

• Community-based and school-based language support technologies

• Data integration and enrichment tools for developmental research datasets

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, implementation scaling, and regulatory preparation activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, speech analytics, telehealth deployment, developmental research, data analysis, caregiver engagement, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable pediatric health or communication technology 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.

Review solicitation here.