NIH Highlighted Topic: Neural Exposome Factors that Affect Brain Health and Neurological Disorders

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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program focused on understanding how environmental, behavioral, biological, and psychosocial exposures influence brain health and neurological disease across the lifespan. NIH is particularly interested in technologies and research platforms that investigate the “Neural Exposome” — the cumulative interaction of genetic and nonheritable factors affecting neurological function, disease progression, and long-term brain health.

While genetics have provided major insights into neurological disorders, many conditions cannot be explained by genetics alone. NIH is encouraging interdisciplinary projects that examine how environmental toxins, stress, sleep, microbiome activity, metabolism, diet, substance use, epigenetic changes, and other exposome factors interact with biological systems to influence neurological outcomes. Companies developing AI-enabled analytics tools, biomarkers, computational models, organoids, neuroimaging platforms, environmental health technologies, digital health systems, or advanced neuroscience research tools may be strong candidates for funding.

NIH is especially interested in projects involving longitudinal cohort analysis, gene-environment interaction modeling, exposome biomarker discovery, human-relevant disease models, organoid systems, computational neuroscience, and preventative intervention strategies. Research focused on women’s health, aging, substance use, neuroimmune interactions, and multi-organ system relationships impacting brain health is also encouraged.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Eye Institute (NEI), and the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), all of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications advancing environmental neuroscience, exposome science, neurological disease prevention, and translational brain health technologies.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of technologies and research platforms focused on neural exposome science, brain health, and neurological disease prevention.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms analyzing gene-environment interactions and neurological risk factors

• Biomarker discovery technologies for detecting neurological effects of environmental and behavioral exposures

• Longitudinal cohort studies integrating exposome and neurological health data

• Computational models evaluating composite environmental impacts on brain function and disease progression

• Organoid systems, in vitro models, and human-relevant neuroscience platforms for exposome research

• Neuroimaging and sensor technologies for studying environmental effects on the nervous system

• Digital health tools monitoring sleep, stress, substance use, environmental exposures, and neurological outcomes

• Research into neuroimmune interactions and multi-organ system effects on brain health

• Studies evaluating effects of toxins, microbiome changes, metabolism, diet, and psychosocial stressors on neurological function

• Precision medicine approaches integrating genomic, behavioral, and environmental health data

• Women’s health-focused research investigating hormonal, environmental, and neurological interactions across the lifespan

• Substance use and addiction-related exposome research

• Aging-related neurological health studies and preventative intervention strategies

• Development of preventative therapeutics and intervention technologies targeting modifiable neurological risk factors

• Validation studies, translational research, prototype development, and regulatory preparation activities

• Commercialization planning and scale-up activities for brain health and exposome-related technologies

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software development, computational infrastructure, prototype fabrication, data integration systems, intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy development, and other research and development activities necessary to advance a commercially viable 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: Priority Research Questions in Fundamental Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program focused on advancing fundamental cellular and molecular neuroscience. NIH is particularly interested in technologies, tools, and research platforms that improve understanding of the molecular architecture, dynamic interactions, signaling processes, and cellular organization of neurons and glia in vivo.

This highlighted topic aims to accelerate discoveries in foundational neuroscience by supporting development of advanced imaging systems, biosensors, computational models, molecular mapping technologies, and other enabling research tools that address critical knowledge gaps in nervous system function. Companies developing neurotechnology platforms, imaging systems, biosensors, AI-enabled neuroscience tools, molecular mapping technologies, computational biology solutions, or advanced in vivo research systems may be strong candidates for funding.

NIH is especially interested in projects focused on macromolecular cartography, molecular turnover and plasticity, developmental cellular dynamics, metabolic signaling, lipid dynamics, neural communication pathways, synaptic biology, neuroimmune interactions, and blood-brain barrier biology. Research integrating engineering, chemistry, biophysics, quantum sensing, computational modeling, and advanced optical imaging approaches is strongly encouraged.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the National Eye Institute (NEI), and the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), all of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications advancing neurotechnology, brain imaging, molecular neuroscience, neural signaling research, and translational neuroscience tools.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of technologies and research platforms focused on cellular and molecular neuroscience, neural imaging, and advanced neurobiology tools.

Eligible activities may include:

• Development of advanced in vivo imaging systems for neural tissue analysis

• Optical imaging technologies for subcellular and tissue-scale neuroscience applications

• Quantum sensors and biosensors for neuronal activity detection and longitudinal monitoring

• AI and machine learning platforms for neural data analysis and molecular mapping

• Development of fluorescent, acoustic, bioluminescent, or metabolic imaging agents

• Technologies supporting macromolecular cartography and protein interaction mapping in neurons and glia

• Research tools studying synaptic plasticity, organelle dynamics, and cellular resilience

• Spatiotemporal tools measuring molecular turnover, signaling, and protein stability

• Computational models of neural development, cell signaling, and neuroimmune interactions

• Technologies investigating blood-brain barrier formation, apoptosis, and neurodevelopmental dynamics

• Metabolic and lipid signaling sensors for nervous system research

• Research platforms focused on neurotransmission, neuromodulation, gliotransmission, and extracellular signaling

• Sex-specific neuroscience research investigating molecular and cellular differences in neural systems

• Translational neuroscience tools supporting drug discovery, neurological disease research, and brain health

• Validation studies, prototype development, translational research, and regulatory preparation activities

• Commercialization planning and scale-up activities for neuroscience technologies and imaging platforms

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software development, computational infrastructure, prototype fabrication, imaging system development, intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy development, and other research and development activities necessary to advance a commercially viable 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 Drowning Prevention

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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program focused on drowning prevention, water safety, and evidence-based interventions that reduce drowning-related deaths and long-term injuries. NIH is particularly interested in technologies, public health strategies, implementation science approaches, and community-based interventions that improve drowning prevention outcomes across pediatric and high-risk populations.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children in the United States, particularly among children ages 1–4. Survivors of drowning incidents often experience severe neurological injury, disability, and long-term health complications. NIH is encouraging projects that better understand drowning risk factors, improve swim instruction and water competency, expand access to prevention programs, and strengthen implementation of the drowning chain of survival. Companies developing water safety technologies, digital health tools, wearable monitoring systems, AI-enabled risk analytics platforms, emergency response technologies, educational tools, or community health interventions may be strong candidates for funding.

NIH is especially interested in projects focused on culturally appropriate drowning interventions, school-based and community-based prevention programs, implementation science, drowning risk measurement, swim competency evaluation, and scalable public health strategies. Research addressing disparities in drowning risk, barriers to prevention access, and evidence-based policy development is also encouraged.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the Office of Disease Prevention (ODP), both of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications advancing drowning prevention, child safety, public health intervention delivery, and implementation science.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of technologies and interventions focused on drowning prevention, water safety, and emergency response.

Eligible activities may include:

• Development of wearable technologies, sensors, or monitoring systems for drowning detection and prevention

• AI and machine learning platforms analyzing drowning risk trends and behavioral risk factors

• Digital health tools supporting swim instruction, water competency, and safety education

• Research evaluating swim instruction methods, timing, and effectiveness across populations

• Community-based and school-based drowning prevention programs and intervention models

• Implementation science approaches to improve adoption of evidence-based drowning prevention strategies

• Emergency response technologies supporting the drowning chain of survival

• Public health interventions targeting high-risk populations and underserved communities

• Data collection platforms and predictive analytics tools for drowning surveillance and prevention

• Research into medical conditions associated with increased drowning risk, including seizures, autism, and cardiac conditions

• Flood-related drowning prevention technologies and disaster-response interventions

• Policy evaluation, standards development, and cost-effectiveness studies related to water safety programs

• Culturally tailored education and outreach programs designed to improve prevention uptake

• Validation studies, translational research, prototype development, and regulatory preparation activities

• Commercialization planning and scale-up activities for drowning prevention and water safety technologies

Funding may also support personnel, software development, clinical or public health data analysis, prototype fabrication, educational platform development, intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy development, and other research and development activities necessary to advance a commercially viable 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 Prevention and Treatment of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections in HIV-Affected Populations

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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program focused on advancing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and implementation strategies for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescent and maternal populations affected by HIV. NIH is particularly interested in technologies and interventions that address rising rates of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia among youth and pregnant populations living with or at elevated risk for HIV.

Despite significant progress in HIV treatment and prevention, bacterial STI rates continue to rise nationwide, particularly among adolescents, young women, and maternal populations. NIH is encouraging projects that improve STI diagnostics, clinical management, implementation science, prevention technologies, healthcare delivery systems, and workforce training related to HIV and bacterial STI care. Companies developing diagnostics, microbicidal technologies, AI-enabled epidemiology tools, digital health platforms, implementation science solutions, community health technologies, or novel therapeutics may be strong candidates for funding.

NIH is especially interested in projects involving innovative diagnostic modalities, alternative antimicrobial therapies, prevention technologies, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) access, maternal and adolescent care models, vaccine and immunotherapeutic development, and scalable service delivery systems. Research incorporating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), implementation science, health equity strategies, and community-engaged care models is also encouraged.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), the Office of Disease Prevention (ODP), and the Office of AIDS Research (OAR), all of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications advancing HIV prevention, STI diagnostics, maternal health, adolescent medicine, infectious disease management, and public health implementation 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 technologies and healthcare solutions focused on bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV-affected adolescent and maternal populations.

Eligible activities may include:

• Development of innovative STI diagnostic technologies and point-of-care testing platforms

• AI and machine learning tools for STI epidemiology, risk prediction, and clinical decision support

• Novel antimicrobial therapies and alternative antibiotics for bacterial STIs

• Microbicidal agents and multi-purpose prevention technologies integrating STI and HIV prevention

• Digital health platforms supporting STI screening, prevention, treatment adherence, and patient engagement

• Research improving access to HIV and STI post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

• Maternal and adolescent healthcare delivery models focused on STI and HIV prevention

• Community-based and implementation science approaches to increase prevention and treatment uptake

• Workforce training platforms and clinical education technologies for HIV and STI care providers

• Research evaluating cost-effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of prevention programs

• Vaccine and immunotherapeutic development related to bacterial STIs

• Immune response studies supporting STI prevention and therapeutic innovation

• Public health infrastructure and service delivery optimization technologies

• Research focused on congenital syphilis prevention and maternal-fetal health outcomes

• Validation studies, translational research, prototype development, and regulatory preparation activities

• Commercialization planning and scale-up activities for diagnostics, therapeutics, and public health technologies

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software development, clinical data analysis, prototype fabrication, computational infrastructure, intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy development, and other research and development activities necessary to advance a commercially viable 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 the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Health Care

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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program focused on improving the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN). NIH is particularly interested in technologies, interventions, and care models that improve health outcomes, continuity of care, patient engagement, and long-term well-being for adolescents and young adults managing chronic medical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions.

As advances in medicine continue to improve survival rates for childhood-onset conditions, increasing numbers of youth require complex transitions into adult healthcare systems. However, significant gaps remain in transition planning, evidence-based interventions, care coordination, and outcome measurement. NIH is encouraging projects that develop scalable, patient-centered, and real-world approaches to healthcare transition (HCT) that improve measurable health and quality-of-life outcomes. Companies developing digital health platforms, care coordination technologies, AI-enabled analytics tools, behavioral health solutions, patient engagement systems, remote monitoring technologies, or community-based care models may be strong candidates for funding.

NIH is especially interested in projects focused on meaningful health outcome measurement, transition intervention design, patient and caregiver engagement, implementation science, behavioral health, chronic disease management, healthcare accessibility, and multidisciplinary care coordination. Research incorporating lived experiences, community engagement, innovative trial designs, and whole-person care approaches is strongly encouraged.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and other participating NIH offices, all of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications advancing pediatric transition care, chronic disease management, behavioral health, and integrated healthcare delivery 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 technologies and healthcare solutions designed to improve transitions from pediatric to adult healthcare systems for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).

Eligible activities may include:

• Digital health platforms supporting healthcare transition planning, coordination, and patient engagement

• AI and machine learning tools analyzing transition outcomes, risk factors, or care gaps

• Development and validation of meaningful healthcare transition outcome measures

• Care navigation systems and patient support technologies for chronic disease management

• Behavioral health and mental health transition interventions for adolescents and emerging adults

• Community-based and school-based healthcare transition models

• Remote monitoring and telehealth solutions supporting continuity of care

• Family-centered and caregiver-engaged healthcare transition interventions

• Technologies improving medication adherence, self-efficacy, and treatment continuity

• Healthcare transition solutions for conditions such as congenital heart disease, asthma, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, diabetes, mental illness, autism spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities

• Research-informed interventions supporting youth recovery services and overdose prevention

• Innovative clinical trial methods, synthetic control arms, and in silico healthcare transition studies

• Data collection systems and patient-reported outcome tools for transition research

• Implementation science and real-world healthcare integration strategies

• Validation studies, translational research, prototype development, and regulatory preparation activities

• Commercialization planning and scale-up activities for healthcare transition technologies and care delivery systems

Funding may also support personnel, software development, clinical data analysis, prototype fabrication, patient engagement infrastructure, intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy development, and other research and development activities necessary to advance a commercially viable 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 Use of Genomic Information Into Clinical Care

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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program focused on advancing the use of genomic information in clinical care. NIH is particularly interested in technologies, platforms, and implementation strategies that improve patient outcomes by integrating genomic evidence into routine healthcare delivery, precision medicine, disease prevention, diagnostics, and treatment decision-making.

Although genomic variants are known to influence risk for numerous diseases, significant gaps remain in demonstrating how genomic information improves clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, care delivery, and long-term health management. NIH is encouraging projects that generate genomic medicine evidence, develop scalable implementation frameworks, and create clinical tools and data resources that enable broader adoption of evidence-based genomic medicine. Companies developing genomics platforms, AI-enabled clinical decision support tools, multi-omic data systems, precision medicine technologies, predictive analytics solutions, diagnostics, digital health platforms, or genomic workflow integration technologies may be strong candidates for funding.

NIH is especially interested in projects focused on implementation science, genomic clinical utility, healthcare workflow integration, patient-centered genomic care, infectious disease genomics, addiction genomics, neurological applications, women’s health genomics, cancer genomics, and translational genomic data infrastructure. Research that improves accessibility, scalability, and real-world implementation of genomic medicine across diverse patient populations and healthcare environments is also encouraged.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), and the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), all of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications advancing precision medicine, genomic healthcare integration, and translational clinical genomics.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of technologies and clinical solutions that advance the integration of genomic information into healthcare delivery and precision medicine.

Eligible activities may include:

• Development of genomic diagnostics, predictive analytics tools, or precision medicine platforms

• AI and machine learning systems for genomic interpretation, risk prediction, and clinical decision support

• Multi-omic data repositories and translational genomic research infrastructure

• Clinical workflow integration tools for genomic medicine implementation

• Research evaluating clinical utility, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of genomic interventions

• Technologies supporting personalized prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies

• Genomic medicine implementation science and healthcare adoption research

• Pathogen, microbiome, infectious disease, or HIV-related genomic applications

• Addiction and substance use genomics platforms and predictive models

• Neurological, oncology, autoimmune, and women’s health genomic research technologies

• Population health and community-based genomic medicine approaches

• Genomic data visualization, interoperability, and healthcare integration systems

• Biomarker discovery and genomic variant interpretation platforms

• Digital health tools supporting genomic-guided patient engagement and care management

• Validation studies, translational research, prototype development, and regulatory preparation activities

• Commercialization planning and scale-up activities for genomics and precision medicine technologies

Funding may also support personnel, software development, laboratory testing, cloud or computational infrastructure, clinical data analysis, prototype fabrication, intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy development, and other research and development activities necessary to advance a commercially viable 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: Accelerating Research in Celiac Disease

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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program to accelerate research in celiac disease, including improved diagnostics, immune-based therapeutics, prevention strategies, and technologies that advance understanding of disease pathogenesis. NIH is particularly interested in research that enables earlier and more reliable detection of celiac disease, identifies therapeutic targets, restores gluten tolerance, and improves long-term patient outcomes.

Celiac disease is a complex autoimmune disorder affecting more than 1% of the U.S. population, with incidence continuing to rise. Despite growing awareness and scientific progress, substantial unmet needs remain related to early diagnosis, disease monitoring, treatment resistance, immune dysregulation, microbiome interactions, and prevention. Companies developing diagnostics, therapeutics, microbiome technologies, AI-enabled disease modeling platforms, biomarker tools, digital health solutions, immune-modulating therapies, or advanced research systems relevant to autoimmune gastrointestinal disease may be strong candidates for funding.

NIH is especially interested in projects investigating immune mechanisms, genetic and environmental drivers of disease, microbiome interactions, inflammatory pathways, women’s health considerations, and complications associated with celiac disease, including osteoporosis, oral health disorders, autoimmune co-morbidities, and gastrointestinal cancers. Research utilizing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), computational modeling, translational studies, and human-relevant disease models is also encouraged.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), and the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), all of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications advancing autoimmune disease research, gastrointestinal health, cancer prevention, women’s health, microbiome science, and immune therapeutics.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of technologies and therapeutic approaches focused on celiac disease diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and immune system modulation.

Eligible activities may include:

• Development of earlier, more reliable diagnostic tools and biomarker technologies for celiac disease

• AI and machine learning platforms analyzing autoimmune disease progression and treatment outcomes

• Immune-modulating therapies designed to prevent or treat celiac disease and restore gluten tolerance

• Research into cellular and molecular mechanisms driving autoimmune tissue damage and inflammation

• Microbiome, virome, and gut-environment interaction studies related to celiac disease progression

• New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and advanced disease modeling systems for celiac disease research

• Precision medicine approaches evaluating genetic, hormonal, and environmental risk factors

• Development of nutritional, dietary, microbiota, or natural-product-based interventions

• Technologies addressing refractory celiac disease or poor response to gluten-free diets

• Cancer-related celiac disease research, including inflammation-associated gastrointestinal cancers

• Research into oral health, bone density, skin disorders, and other co-morbidities associated with celiac disease

• Women’s health-focused studies examining reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, and autoimmune risk

• Translational research, preclinical validation, clinical studies, and regulatory preparation activities

• Commercialization planning and scale-up activities for diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health solutions

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software development, clinical data analysis, prototype fabrication, computational infrastructure, intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy development, and other research and development activities necessary to advance a commercially viable 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 Short-Lived and Long-Lived Plasma Cells in Humans

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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program focused on the biology of Short-Lived Plasma Cells (SLPCs) and Long-Lived Plasma Cells (LLPCs) in human health and disease. NIH is particularly interested in technologies and therapeutic approaches that improve understanding of plasma cell differentiation, antibody production, immune memory, autoimmune disease mechanisms, vaccine durability, aging-related immune dysfunction, and allergic or transplant-related immune responses.

Long-Lived Plasma Cells play a critical role in sustaining lifelong immunity, but they are also implicated in autoimmune diseases, allergic disorders, and transplant rejection. NIH is encouraging research that advances human-relevant characterization of plasma cell biology through ex vivo human sample analysis, New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), computational modeling, and advanced immunology platforms. Companies developing immunology technologies, computational biology tools, AI-enabled immune modeling systems, vaccine platforms, antibody therapeutics, diagnostics, or autoimmune disease solutions may be strong candidates for funding.

NIH is especially interested in projects investigating plasma cell precursor populations, immune aging, tissue-specific plasma cell environments, microbiome interactions, vaccine response durability, and mechanisms influencing plasma cell differentiation and persistence. Research focused on women’s health, autoimmune disease progression, and sex-specific immune responses is also encouraged.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), and the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), all of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications advancing immunology, vaccine science, autoimmune disease research, and healthy aging technologies.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of technologies and therapeutic approaches related to plasma cell biology, antibody-mediated diseases, vaccine durability, autoimmune disorders, and immune aging.

Eligible activities may include:

• Computational modeling and AI-enabled analysis of plasma cell differentiation and immune responses

• Development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for plasma cell and antibody research

• Ex vivo human tissue and immune cell analysis platforms

• Vaccine technologies designed to promote durable Long-Lived Plasma Cell (LLPC) responses

• Therapeutic approaches targeting pathogenic LLPCs in autoimmune disease, allergy, or transplant rejection

• Biomarker discovery associated with plasma cell phenotypes, immune persistence, or immune aging

• Research into plasma cell precursor populations and differentiation pathways

• Technologies studying microbiome, aging, or host-factor effects on plasma cell function

• Development of diagnostics or therapeutics for autoimmune and antibody-mediated disorders

• Immune profiling platforms evaluating sex-specific immune responses and women’s health outcomes

• Research investigating immune aging, frailty, cognitive decline, and age-associated plasma cell disorders

• Tissue engineering, organoid, or advanced cellular modeling approaches for immunology research

• Validation studies, translational research, prototype development, and regulatory preparation activities

• Commercialization planning and scale-up activities for immunology and vaccine-related technologies

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software development, computational infrastructure, prototype fabrication, clinical data analysis, intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy development, and other research and development activities necessary to advance a commercially viable 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: Effects of Contraception as Treatment for Gynecologic Disorders

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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program focused on the use of contraceptive therapies to treat gynecologic disorders such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, dysmenorrhea, and related women’s health conditions. NIH is particularly interested in technologies, clinical approaches, and data-driven solutions that improve understanding of the long-term effectiveness, safety, treatment optimization, and patient outcomes associated with hormonal contraceptive use for gynecologic disease management.

Although hormonal contraceptives are widely used off-label to manage gynecologic conditions, significant gaps remain regarding comparative effectiveness, personalized treatment strategies, biomarker identification, patient decision-making, and long-term health outcomes. Companies developing women’s health technologies, AI-enabled clinical analytics platforms, digital health solutions, biomarker tools, therapeutic approaches, data infrastructure, or precision medicine applications related to gynecologic disorders may be strong candidates for funding.

NIH is especially interested in projects utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, clinical datasets, biomarker discovery, molecular and cellular analysis, -omic technologies, and clinical evaluation approaches to improve treatment guidelines and patient-centered care. Research examining quality of life, treatment adherence, patient education, and long-term outcomes associated with contraceptive therapies is also encouraged.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), both of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications advancing women’s health, gynecologic disease treatment, hormonal therapy optimization, and precision reproductive medicine.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of technologies and therapeutic approaches focused on gynecologic disorders and the use of hormonal contraceptives as treatment strategies.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms analyzing treatment outcomes from clinical or medical record datasets

• Biomarker discovery associated with improved responses to hormonal contraceptive therapies

• Clinical studies evaluating different estrogen/progestin formulations or delivery methods

• Research comparing continuous versus cyclic contraceptive treatment approaches

• Technologies supporting treatment optimization for endometriosis, PCOS, uterine fibroids, dysmenorrhea, and related conditions

• Digital health platforms supporting symptom tracking, treatment adherence, patient education, or personalized care

• Precision medicine approaches for contraceptive selection and gynecologic disease management

• Research evaluating quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, and patient-centered treatment effectiveness

• Development of predictive analytics tools for treatment response and long-term outcomes

• Molecular, cellular, genomic, proteomic, or other -omic approaches investigating gynecologic disease mechanisms

• Clinical data infrastructure, patient registries, and real-world evidence studies

• Validation, prototype development, translational research, and regulatory preparation activities

• Commercialization planning and scale-up activities for women’s health technologies and therapeutics

Funding may also support personnel, software development, clinical data analysis, laboratory testing, prototype fabrication, intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy development, and other research and development activities necessary to advance a commercially viable 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: Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Substance Use Disorders

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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program focused on the biological mechanisms linking sleep, circadian rhythms, and substance use disorders (SUDs). NIH is particularly interested in technologies and therapeutic approaches that improve understanding of how sleep dysregulation and circadian disruption contribute to addiction development, relapse risk, recovery outcomes, and long-term neurological health.

This highlighted topic encourages basic and pre-clinical research investigating the bidirectional relationship between sleep/circadian dysfunction and substance use disorders, including opioids, stimulants, nicotine, cannabinoids, designer drugs, and alcohol-related disorders. Companies developing neuroscience platforms, biomarkers, diagnostics, computational tools, imaging technologies, digital therapeutics, wearable monitoring systems, AI-enabled predictive models, or novel therapeutic interventions related to addiction and sleep science may be strong candidates for funding.

NIH is especially interested in projects utilizing behavioral, cognitive, cellular, molecular, genetic, imaging, pharmacological, and computational approaches to identify mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets associated with addiction and circadian biology. Research exploring sex-specific responses, hormonal influences, and women’s health considerations is also encouraged.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), all of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications advancing addiction science, sleep medicine, circadian biology, and precision behavioral health solutions.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of technologies and therapeutic approaches focused on sleep, circadian rhythms, addiction biology, and substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Eligible activities may include:

• Development of digital health platforms, wearable technologies, or remote monitoring systems for sleep and addiction management

• AI, machine learning, or predictive analytics tools for identifying relapse risk or treatment response

• Biomarker discovery related to sleep dysregulation, circadian disruption, and substance use disorders

• Neuroscience research investigating reward pathways, neurotransmitter systems, and addiction-related brain circuitry

• Imaging technologies and neurodiagnostic platforms for studying sleep and addiction interactions

• Development of therapeutics targeting circadian rhythms, sleep quality, or addiction recovery outcomes

• Research into opioid, stimulant, cannabinoid, nicotine, hallucinogen, and polysubstance-related sleep disruption

• Behavioral and cognitive interventions designed to improve sleep and reduce relapse risk

• Sex-specific and women’s health-focused research related to hormonal influences, pregnancy, menopause, and addiction recovery

• Computational, molecular, cellular, and genetic modeling of sleep-addiction interactions

• Preclinical validation, prototype development, translational studies, and regulatory preparation

• Development of precision medicine or personalized treatment approaches for addiction and sleep disorders

Funding may also support personnel, software development, laboratory testing, clinical data analysis, prototype fabrication, intellectual property protection, commercialization planning, and other research and development activities necessary to advance a commercially viable 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 seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program that leverage New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and Non-Animal Technologies (NATs) to accelerate osteoarthritis (OA) research and therapeutic development. NIH is particularly interested in human-relevant research approaches—including organoids, tissue chips, advanced in vitro systems, computational modeling, archived human joint tissues, and non-invasive imaging technologies—that improve understanding of the biological mechanisms driving OA initiation and progression.

This initiative aligns with NIH’s broader effort to promote innovative, translational science while reducing reliance on traditional animal testing. Companies developing technologies, platforms, diagnostics, regenerative therapies, AI-enabled disease modeling tools, biomarker solutions, rehabilitation technologies, or advanced research systems relevant to osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal degeneration may be strong candidates for funding.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA), both of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications focused on osteoarthritis initiation, aging-related degeneration, regenerative rehabilitation, inflammation-driven joint damage, and human-relevant disease modeling approaches.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of technologies and therapeutic approaches aimed at understanding, preventing, diagnosing, or treating osteoarthritis (OA), particularly through the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and Non-Animal Technologies (NATs).

Eligible activities may include:

• Development of organoids, tissue chips, advanced in vitro systems, or computational models for osteoarthritis research

• Human tissue-based studies investigating OA initiation and progression

• AI, machine learning, or predictive modeling platforms for musculoskeletal degeneration

• Biomarker discovery and molecular characterization of joint degeneration phenotypes

• Research into inflammation-driven cartilage degradation and immune system interactions

• Studies of aging-related metabolic, epigenetic, or cellular senescence mechanisms contributing to OA

• Technologies evaluating mechanotransduction and physical loading impacts on joints

• Regenerative medicine and regenerative rehabilitation strategies for tissue repair and functional recovery

• Imaging technologies and non-invasive diagnostic tools for early OA detection

• Research into gene-gene and gene-environment interactions influencing OA susceptibility

• Therapeutic development targeting cartilage, bone, synovium, muscle, fat, tendon, or nerve-related contributors to OA pathology

• Validation, prototype development, preclinical testing, and translational studies

• Regulatory preparation, commercialization planning, and scale-up activities for Phase II projects

Funding may also support personnel, materials, software development, laboratory testing, prototype fabrication, data analysis, intellectual property protection, and other research and development expenses necessary to advance a commercially viable 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.

TSM Special Topic – WIRE Advanced Manufacturing for Supersonic Aircraft

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

Executive Summary:

The Department of Defense is seeking advanced manufacturing solutions that can help build and sustain the next generation of supersonic aircraft through the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace (TSM) Special Topic: Advanced Manufacturing for Supersonic Aircraft. The government is specifically looking for technologies that reduce acquisition and sustainment costs, accelerate production timelines, strengthen the domestic supply chain, and improve manufacturing capabilities for critical aerospace systems.

This opportunity is designed for companies developing advanced aerospace manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing, advanced materials, robotics and automation, reverse engineering, advanced repair technologies, and digital engineering tools.

Submissions must be submitted to the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace between May 15, 2026 and June 24, 2026, 12:00PM EST. Solutions assessed as “Awardable” may become eligible for future procurement actions through the Tradewinds ecosystem and potentially through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC).

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify any award amount, funding range, ceiling, floor, or number of awards.

The notice states that placement into the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace as “Awardable” does not guarantee any current or future award. Future awards, if any, may result through separate procurement actions.

What could I use the funding for?

The solicitation is seeking advanced manufacturing technologies and processes that support the manufacturing and sustainment of supersonic aircraft.

Example capability areas include:

• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

  • PBF-LB

  • EBF3

  • Flight-critical components

  • High-temperature thermoplastics

  • Titanium alloys

  • Nickel-based superalloys

• Advanced Materials

  • Carbon fiber composites

  • Metal matrix composites

  • High-stress and high-temperature applications

• Robotics and Automation

  • Automated assembly

  • Manufacturing automation

  • Precision and safety improvements

• Reverse Engineering and Legacy Systems

  • Reverse engineering of obsolete components

  • Recreation of technical data packages

• Advanced Repair Technologies

  • Laser cladding

  • Cold spray

  • Non-destructive inspection (NDI)

• Digital Engineering and Manufacturing

  • MBSE

  • Digital twins

  • Manufacturing process optimization

The government also requires solutions to:

• Reduce acquisition and sustainment costs

• Shorten production timelines

• Strengthen the U.S. Defense Industrial Base

• Reduce reliance on foreign suppliers

• Improve domestic manufacturing capabilities

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Companies assessed as “Awardable” will:

• Be placed in the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace

• Have their solutions made available for future procurement actions

• Potentially become eligible for future awards through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC)

The solicitation also notes that future awards may require companies to become DIBC members, although DIBC membership is not required to submit a solution.

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

Key dates include:

• Submission window opens: May 15, 2026

• Submission deadline: June 24, 2026, 12:00PM EST

• Assessment period begins: July 1, 2026

• Assessment period concludes: July 31, 2026, no later than 12:00PM EST

• Notification of assessment rating: On or immediately after July 31, 2026

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is sponsored through the Warfighting Investments, Resourcing, and Execution (WIRE) program, which is focused on strengthening the U.S. Defense Industrial Base and supporting critical national security manufacturing capabilities.

The notice states that future awards, if any, may be made through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC).

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation refers broadly to “entities” and “vendors” submitting solutions through the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace.

The notice does not specify:

• Company size requirements

• Small business requirements

• Domestic ownership restrictions

• Revenue limits

• Stage restrictions

• TRL requirements

The solicitation does state that submissions must comply with the Tradewinds Announcement v10.0 requirements and submission process.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The government is prioritizing solutions that:

• Directly support current and future supersonic aircraft manufacturing and sustainment

• Reduce acquisition and sustainment costs

• Accelerate production timelines

• Strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities

• Reduce reliance on foreign sources

• Advance the state of the art in aerospace manufacturing

Strong applications will likely demonstrate:

• Clear technical differentiation

• Significant improvement over existing processes

• Strong domestic supply chain impact

• Long-term industrial base resilience

• Scalability and operational relevance

The solicitation also emphasizes business models that foster innovation, competition, and broader adoption within the industrial base.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Important restrictions and requirements include:

• All submissions must be made through the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace

• Submissions must comply with Tradewinds Announcement v10.0

• Video submissions are required

• Companies must select:

  • “Special Topic Submission” under Submission Type

  • “WIRE ADV MAN Special Topic” under Relevant Strategic Focus Area

• Video titles must begin with:

  • “WIRE ADV MAN:”

The solicitation also states:

• Submission preparation costs are not reimbursable

• “Awardable” status does not guarantee funding

• Future awards may require DIBC membership

The solicitation does not specify any cost share requirements.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application requires a compliant Tradewinds video submission addressing all required evaluation criteria.

Companies will need to prepare content covering:

• Problem alignment

• Mission acceleration

• Technical innovation

• Business model viability

• Industrial base impact

The solicitation does not estimate preparation time. However, because the process requires a structured video submission and compliance with Tradewinds requirements, companies should expect a meaningful preparation effort.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Determine whether your technology aligns with the solicitation

• Position your solution against the Tradewinds evaluation rubric

• Develop a compelling technical and commercialization narrative

• Structure and script the required video submission

• Translate complex manufacturing technologies into reviewer-friendly messaging

• Emphasize domestic supply chain and industrial base impacts

• Improve competitiveness for “Awardable” assessment status

Review solicitation here.

SBA Patriot Pitch Competition: Celebrating Innovators for the Next 250

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

Executive Summary:

The SBA Patriot Pitch Competition: Celebrating Innovators for the Next 250 is a nationwide pitch competition hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Freedom 250 Celebrations. The program is designed to spotlight innovative American small businesses that have successfully leveraged SBA-backed capital to grow, modernize operations, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.

The competition will award up to $1,000,000 in total prize funding across five winners. Finalists will pitch live in Washington, D.C. before a panel of judges and compete for awards of up to $400,000.

The application deadline is June 10, 2026, 11:59 PM EST. Businesses interested in applying must contact their nearest SBA District Office to enter the competition.

How much funding would I receive?

The competition will award up to $1,000,000 in total prizes, broken down as follows:

• 1st place: $400,000

• 2nd place: $250,000

• 3rd place: $150,000

• 4th place: $125,000

• 5th place: $75,000

Only one prize will be awarded per winning submission, regardless of the number of participants involved in the submission.

What could I use the funding for?

Applicants must describe how they would utilize the prize money if selected as a winner. The solicitation does not specify any formal restrictions on prize use.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to prize funding, selected businesses may receive:

• National exposure through the SBA Freedom 250 initiative

• Engagement with SBA leadership

• Participation in a nationwide pitch competition

• Visibility before federal and industry judges

• Opportunity to present live in Washington, D.C.

The competition is also intended to highlight compelling small business stories and innovative American entrepreneurs.

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

District Judging Panels: “The Road to 68”

• Submission Period: May 12, 2026 through June 10, 2026, 11:59 PM EST

• Screening, Vetting and Judging Period: June 11, 2026, 9:00 AM EST to June 19, 2026, 5:00 PM EST

• Advancing Contestants Announced: June 2026

Regional Judging Panels: “Take Down to Ten”

• Screening, Vetting and Judging Period: June 30, 2026, 9:00 AM EST to July 7, 2026, 5:00 PM EST

• Advancing Contestants Announced: July 2026

Semifinals: “Down to the Final Five”

• Screening, Vetting and Judging Period: July 21, 2026, 9:00 AM EST to July 28, 2026, 5:00 PM EST

• Finalists Announced: July 30, 2026

Finals: “Live in D.C.”

• Finals event will occur on one day between September 8th–18th, 2026 (date to be finalized later)

• Winners announced at the finals event

The application deadline is June 10, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.

Where does this funding come from?

The competition is funded and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) pursuant to the America Competes Act (15 U.S.C. § 3719). The competition is part of the SBA’s Freedom 250 Celebrations initiative.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are at least 18 years old

• Private entities or teams that meet SBA’s definition of a small business

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Minimum 3 years in business operation

• At least $100,000 in annual gross revenue

• Must have benefited from one of the following SBA capital products:

  • 7(a) loans (including Paycheck Protection Program)

  • 504 loans

  • Microloan Intermediary loans

  • SBIR/STTR funding

  • SBIC financing

• Must be current and in good standing on federal obligations

• Must be headquartered and operated in the United States and/or its territories

• Must be 100% owned by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents

• Must actively drive innovation in its sector

• Must be available to travel to Washington, D.C. for the finals event at the contestant’s own expense

Businesses that only received COVID-19 EIDL or SBA Disaster loans are not eligible based solely on those loans.

Ineligible applicants include:

• SBA employees or contractors

• Federal entities or federal employees acting within the scope of employment

• Individuals or organizations currently suspended or debarred by the federal government

• Businesses with certain federal loan defaults resulting in federal losses

Only one entry per business will be considered.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The SBA states that judges will prioritize businesses that demonstrate:

Strengthening American Competitiveness

• Domestic manufacturing capacity and supply chain resilience

• Technology leadership or export growth potential

• Support for critical industries including manufacturing, food supply, critical minerals, energy infrastructure, and defense

• Strong integration into the U.S. supply chain

Small Business “Punching Above Its Weight”

• Innovation in product, process, or business model

• Agility in responding to market challenges

• Efficient use of capital

• Effective partnerships within the business ecosystem

Economic Impact & Quality Jobs

• Ability to create and retain U.S. jobs

• Workforce development plans

• Positive local or rural economic impact

Business Fundamentals & Execution Readiness

• Clear unmet market need and compelling solution

• Strong understanding of target customers and market opportunity

• Sustainable revenue model

• Scalability and growth potential

Applicants will also need to provide:

• A business plan with a 3-year revenue forecast

• A 60-second pitch video

• Evidence of innovation and operational modernization

• Description of how SBA funding impacted the business previously

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and conditions include:

• Only one submission per business is allowed

• Registration submissions must be in PDF format

• Contestants may not use the SBA logo or official seal in submissions

• Finalists must travel to Washington, D.C. at their own expense

• SBA reserves the right to modify or cancel the competition at any time

• Contestants are subject to SBA vetting and compliance review throughout the competition

• Contestants must waive certain liability claims against the federal government related to participation

• Contestants must possess sufficient liability insurance or financial resources

• SBA retains a nonexclusive, royalty-free license to use submitted materials

• Submissions become SBA records and may be subject to Freedom of Information Act requests

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application package appears relatively lightweight compared to traditional federal grant applications, but businesses should still expect to spend meaningful time preparing materials. Required components include:

• Business overview and contact information

• Proof of business standing and incorporation status

• Business plan with 3-year revenue forecast

• Description of SBA capital products utilized

• Description of business innovation and competitiveness

• Description of intended prize use

• Approximately 60-second pitch video via YouTube link

The solicitation does not specify an estimated preparation timeline.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help eligible businesses:

• Evaluate eligibility and competitiveness

• Develop a compelling pitch narrative aligned to SBA judging criteria

• Prepare and refine the submission package

• Draft and polish the business plan and revenue forecast narrative

• Position innovation, manufacturing, workforce, and economic impact strengths clearly

• Prepare founders for live pitch presentations and Q&A sessions

Review solicitation here.

NSF X-LABS INITIATIVE | NSF-OTASO-FY26-XLabsInitiative

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

Executive Summary:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) is launching the NSF X-Labs initiative to fund ambitious, full-time R&D teams developing sector-defining platform technologies that could reshape entire scientific fields or technology industries.

Unlike traditional grants, NSF X-Labs will support operationally independent organizations with milestone-based funding, long-term support potential, and significant autonomy over staffing, partnerships, IP, and research direction. The program is specifically designed for high-risk, high-reward platform technologies that existing university labs, startups, and corporate R&D groups are not structured to pursue.

NSF anticipates awarding up to $1.5M for Phase 0 and up to $50M per year for Phase 1 teams. Only the most promising teams will advance between phases.

This opportunity is best suited for elite technical teams capable of building an independent research organization around a clearly defined mission with the potential to unlock entirely new scientific or technology sectors.

How much funding would I receive?

NSF anticipates awarding:

• Phase 0: no more than $1,500,000 per team

• Phase 1: no more than $50,000,000 per year per team

Additional Phase 2 or Phase 3 funding may be considered based on team performance and availability of funds. Specific funding levels for later phases are not specified.

Funding will be milestone-based, with payments tied to successful completion of NSF-approved deliverables and milestones.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support:

• Full-time R&D teams

• Development of novel platform technologies

• Use-inspired scientific breakthroughs

• Early-stage prototypes

• Organizational buildout and operational infrastructure

• Technical milestone execution

• Team scaling and recruitment

• Partnership development

• IP management and commercialization strategy

• Research security management

• Governance and operational autonomy development

Examples of platform technologies referenced in the solicitation include:

• Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI)

• The Internet

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Brain-computing interfaces

• Next-generation sequencing

• AI models for protein structure prediction

• Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

The solicitation specifically states that the following are not within scope:

• Incremental technology improvements

• Projects with substantial existing venture capital or industry investment

• General advancement of multiple research areas without a focused mission

• Testbeds or data centers as the primary focus

• Projects where the only barriers are non-technical

Published Topics:

Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics - NSF-Topic1-FY26-XLabsQuantumSystems

• Summary: NSF is seeking full-time X-Labs teams developing foundational platform technologies for next-generation quantum systems, specifically quantum interconnects, integrated quantum photonics, and supporting technologies that could enable scalable, connected, second-generation quantum computing and quantum information systems. The focus is on transformative technologies that solve major technical bottlenecks in quantum architectures and create broadly deployable platform capabilities for future industry adoption.

• Written Proposal Deadline: July 24, 2026; 5:00 p.m. Eastern

• Oral Presentations: August 31 – September 4, 2026

• Phase 0 Start: December 2026

• Unique Technical Focus Areas:

  • Quantum interconnects transferring coherence and entanglement between subsystems

  • Integrated quantum photonics

  • Quantum transducers

  • Reconfigurable quantum photonic circuits

  • Quantum light sources

  • Low-loss waveguides

  • Integrated single-photon detectors

• Examples of In-Scope Challenges:

  • Scalable modular quantum architectures

  • Interconnection of heterogeneous quantum subsystems

  • Compact multi-qubit photonic operations

  • System-level integration technologies for future quantum systems

• Examples Specifically Considered Out of Scope:

  • Pure software or computational approaches without integration into physical quantum systems

  • Technologies unsuitable for future scaling or commercialization

  • Incremental state-of-the-art improvements

  • Technologies already mature enough for full-scale commercialization

• Additional Unique Restriction: Lead organizations may submit a maximum of two Written Proposals under this Topic Announcement, and Senior/Key Personnel may only appear on one proposal for this topic.

Scientific Instrumentation for Sensing and Imaging - NSF-Topic2-FY26-XLabsSensingandImaging

• Summary: NSF is seeking X-Labs teams developing transformative sensing and imaging platform technologies capable of enabling fundamentally new scientific measurement and observation capabilities. The topic focuses on breakthrough instrumentation systems that overcome major technical limitations in sensing, imaging, microscopy, and detection, particularly where entirely new modalities or AI-enabled instrumentation approaches could unlock new scientific fields or dramatically expand research capabilities.

• Written Proposal Deadline: July 13, 2026; 5:00 p.m. Eastern

• Oral Presentations: August 17 – August 21, 2026

• Phase 0 Start: November 2026

• Unique Technical Focus Areas:

  • Quantum sensing

  • AI-driven computational imaging

  • Adaptive AI-based sensing algorithms

  • Entirely new sensing and imaging modalities

  • Scientific instrumentation platforms

• Examples of In-Scope Challenges:

  • Molecular-scale single-reaction event detection

  • MRI-free deep tissue imaging

  • Non-destructive biomolecule microscopy

  • High-sensitivity quantum sensors

  • Instruments designed for next-generation AI training pipelines

  • Whole-brain activity sensing at cellular resolution across long timescales

• Examples Specifically Considered Out of Scope:

  • Pure software or computational approaches without integration into instrumentation systems

  • Narrow-use technologies without broad deployability

  • Fundamental research lacking platform technology applications

  • Incremental improvements to existing systems

  • Technologies already mature enough for full-scale commercialization

• Additional Unique Restriction: Lead organizations may submit a maximum of two Written Proposals under this Topic Announcement, and Senior/Key Personnel may only appear on one proposal for this topic.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to funding, selected teams may receive:

• Multi-year support potential through Phase 2 and possibly Phase 3

• Operational autonomy uncommon in traditional grants

• Flexibility to renegotiate milestones as technology landscapes evolve

• Ability to engage across academia, industry, nonprofits, philanthropy, and national laboratories

• Support for building entirely new organizational structures

• Potential acceleration toward commercialization and ecosystem growth

NSF also emphasizes that teams may evolve organizationally over time, including changing lead organizations during Phase 0 or Phase 1.

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

Program structure includes:

• Phase 0: approximately 9–12 months

• Phase 1: approximately 24–36 months

• Phase 2: variable duration

• Possible Phase 3 support in certain cases

The process includes:

1. Submission of an 8-page Written Proposal

2. NSF down-selection

3. Invitation-only Oral Proposal Package and oral presentation

4. Negotiation of milestone plans and budgets

5. Phase 0 award issuance

6. Go/No Go evaluation for advancement into Phase 1

Oral Proposal Packages will be due approximately 5 business days prior to scheduled oral presentations. Senior/Key Personnel disclosures are due approximately 48 hours after oral presentation invitations are issued.

Where does this funding come from?

The funding comes from the:

• U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)

• Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP)

Awards will be issued using NSF’s Other Transaction Authority under 42 U.S.C. § 19116.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any domestic responsible entity may submit a proposal for Phase 0 consideration.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Lead organization must be registered in SAM.gov

• Awards will be made to one lead organization per NSF X-Labs team

• Teams must demonstrate operational autonomy and independence

• Senior/Key Personnel may only appear on one proposal per Topic Announcement

• Senior/Key Personnel and/or core leadership must be dedicated full-time by the beginning of Phase 1 unless otherwise approved by NSF

The solicitation places heavy emphasis on organizational independence, including:

• Independent leadership structure

• Internal control over funding allocation

• Internal control over research direction

• Independent IP ownership and licensing control

• Independent hiring authority

• Independent governance boards

The following are prohibited from participation:

• Foreign entities of concern

• Certain foreign nationals

• Parties associated with malign foreign talent recruitment programs

• Organizations or individuals appearing on specified federal restricted entity lists

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The strongest teams are likely to demonstrate:

• A clearly defined mission capable of reshaping an entire scientific field or technology sector

• A novel platform technology with transformative downstream potential

• Significant technical ambition

• Full-time dedicated leadership

• Strong interdisciplinary expertise

• Ability to operate independently from traditional institutional constraints

• Clear milestones and measurable outcomes

• Strong commercialization and ecosystem growth potential

• Novel organizational structures and partnerships across industry, academia, government, and philanthropy

NSF states it will evaluate teams based on:

• Team qualifications and structure

• Mission clarity and outcomes

The solicitation repeatedly emphasizes that this program is not intended for incremental R&D efforts.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Key restrictions include:

• Projects must align with a current NSF X-Labs Topic Announcement

• Teams must operate within the United States

• Funding is milestone-based

• NSF may terminate advancement at Go/No Go reviews

• Teams must comply with extensive research security requirements

• Certain foreign entities and individuals are prohibited

• Parent institutions cannot retain control over funding, IP, hiring, or research direction for Phase 1 teams

• Written Proposals are limited to 8 single-sided pages

• Oral Proposal stage participants must fully restate all technical and programmatic details because NSF will not rely on the Written Proposal during oral-stage evaluation

The solicitation also requires:

• Data Management and Privacy Plan

• IP Management Plan

• Research Security Management Plan

• Governance Structure Plan

• Conflict of Interest disclosures

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This will likely require a substantial preparation effort due to:

• Complex organizational structure requirements

• Milestone-based budgeting

• Multi-phase planning

• Governance design

• Research security compliance

• IP strategy development

• Team assembly and commitment requirements

• Oral presentation preparation

The Written Proposal itself is limited to 8 pages, but competitive submissions will require significant strategic and operational planning before submission.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support companies and teams with:

• Opportunity qualification and fit assessment

• Mission positioning and narrative development

• NSF X-Labs strategy development

• Technical and commercialization storytelling

• Milestone architecture and roadmap development

• Proposal drafting and editing

• Governance and autonomy positioning

• Oral presentation preparation

• Budget strategy

• Research security and compliance coordination

• Team structuring and partnership positioning

Review solicitation here.

OUSW P - Regional Threat Network Fusion and Prioritization Prototype Open Challenge

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

Executive Summary:

The OUSW P – Regional Threat Network Fusion and Prioritization Prototype Open Challenge is seeking configurable intelligence analytics capabilities that can ingest, fuse, and analyze global and regional data sources to support Western Hemisphere security operations. The Government is looking for prototype-driven solutions that can identify hidden relationships across transnational criminal organizations, nation-state actors, and commercial networks while enabling persistent monitoring, automated alerting, and predictive threat analysis.

This is an Open Challenge, meaning submissions remain open for extended durations with multiple Government organizations reviewing submissions on a rolling basis. ONI anticipates rapid down-select within 30–45 days of posting, creating urgency for companies with relevant threat fusion, intelligence analytics, entity resolution, or network analysis capabilities to engage quickly.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, total funding availability, number of awards, or individual contract sizes.

Problem Statement:

Current Western Hemisphere intelligence operations face multiple capability gaps in threat fusion and prioritization. Analysts cannot rapidly fuse disparate regional data sources to identify and assess threat relationships. Identity and entity resolution across sources remains manual and inconsistent. Threat detection relies on static rules that fail to identify evolving criminal-commercial-state actor networks. The Government requires prototype-driven approaches capable of operationalizing data fusion, dynamic threat behavior modeling, and traceable analytics to enable rapid threat identification and prioritized decision support.

Desired Solution:

● Ingest and fuse heterogeneous regional/global datasets (commercially available and Government-approved sources) using repeatable pipelines suitable for analyst use.

● Perform identity/entity resolution across sources with measurable confidence scoring, provenance, and analyst override/auditability.

● Produce network mapping and relationship analytics to reveal hidden associations across criminal, commercial, and state-linked entities.

● Provide persistent monitoring with automated alerting based on evolving behaviors/patterns, not solely static rules.

● Support retrospective incident reconstruction and forward-looking threat assessments, including escalation indicators and network evolution hypotheses.

● Provide traceable analytic reasoning (explainability/provenance) sufficient for operational decision support and mission trust.

● Enable configuration by mission/region/use case without rearchitecture (new data sources, indicators, models, and reporting views).

● Demonstrate and refine the prototype through direct engagement with analysts and decision-makers, incorporating iterative user feedback.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Opportunity to engage directly with mission analysts and Government decision-makers

• Ability to refine capabilities through operational user feedback

• Potential pathway to production use without system rearchitecture

• Access to award opportunities under ONIX OTA in coordination with ACC-RI

The solicitation also notes that multiple Government organizations may review submissions.

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

The solicitation states that this is an Open Challenge that remains open for extended durations with rolling submissions and biweekly reviews.

The Government states:

• “Submissions are generally reviewed biweekly.”

• “ONI anticipates rapid down-select within 30–45 days of posting.”

No final submission deadline is specified in the solicitation. No award start date or funding disbursement timeline is specified.

Where does this funding come from?

The effort is being managed through ONI and states that awards will be made under “ONIX OTA in coordination with ACC-RI.”

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation states the opportunity is:

• “Open to U.S.-based industry, academic, and nonprofit organizations.”

Respondents must:

• Register on https://gocolosseum.org to submit

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The Government appears to be prioritizing solutions that can rapidly demonstrate operationally relevant capabilities rather than lengthy requirements-driven development efforts.

Competitive submissions are likely to include:

• Existing prototype capabilities rather than conceptual-only approaches

• Demonstrated data fusion and entity resolution capabilities

• Explainable analytics and traceable reasoning

• Automated monitoring and alerting functionality

• Configurable architectures that do not require rearchitecture for new missions or regions

• Strong approaches to analyst usability and operational iteration

• Clear implementation schedules, milestones, and deliverables

• Relevant past performance in intelligence analytics, network analysis, threat detection, or related mission systems

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

The solicitation includes the following submission requirements and constraints:

• Responses should be 2–10 pages maximum

• Respondents must include:

  • Technical concept

  • Implementation approach

  • Company information

  • Point of contact

  • Past performance

  • 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 milestone-based costs or ROM pricing

The solicitation also notes that formatting guidance is suggested rather than mandatory, and ONI may pass along submissions regardless of formatting compliance.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Because the Government is requesting relatively short submissions (2–10 pages maximum), companies with existing capabilities or prior prototype work may be able to prepare a response relatively quickly.

However, the solicitation requires:

• Technical approach details

• Milestone schedules

• Payment schedules

• Cost estimates

• Past performance information

• Data rights and patent considerations

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Position your capability around the Government’s stated operational gaps

• Translate technical platforms into mission-focused prototype language

• Build concise OTA-style white papers optimized for rapid evaluation

• Develop milestone-based scopes, schedules, and ROM pricing

• Strengthen differentiation around explainability, entity resolution, and operational deployment

• Prepare submission materials aligned to ONI evaluation expectations

Review solicitation here.

ARPA-H - TIGAR Exploratory Topic | ARPA-H-SOL-26-144

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

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H is seeking high-risk, high-impact biopreservation technologies through the Technology InteGrator and AcceleratoR (TIGAR) Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO). This opportunity is focused on enabling temperature-flexible storage of regenerative tissues, organs, organoids, engineered tissues, and other complex biologics. ARPA-H is specifically looking for approaches that can stabilize larger and more complex biological systems without introducing high cost or operational complexity.

This is an early-stage R&D opportunity designed for ambitious technical teams pursuing novel approaches involving areas such as new materials, AI/ML, high-throughput screening, biological interventions, devices, analytical technologies, processing methods, and packaging systems.

There are two intake cycles. The first Solution Video deadline is June 8th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET and the first Full Proposal deadline is August 5th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET. The second Solution Video deadline is December 8th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET and the second Full Proposal deadline is February 5th, 2027, 5:00 PM ET. The ISO closes on February 5th, 2027, 11:59 PM ET. Companies interested in this opportunity should begin preparing immediately due to the required two-step submission process and detailed technical proposal requirements.

How much funding would I receive?

ARPA-H states that the total funding requested “must not exceed $2 million USD over the 18-month period of performance.” Awards are anticipated to be made as “Multiple Other Transaction (OTs) Agreements.”

Areas of Interest

Funding is intended to support development of enabling technologies for biopreservation and temperature-flexible storage of complex biologics and regenerative tissues.

Proposed solutions may include combinations of:

• New materials

• Artificial intelligence/machine learning

• High-throughput screening methods

• Biological interventions

• Devices

• Processing methods

• Analytical technologies

• Packaging approaches

Projects must demonstrate progress toward functional preservation of:

• Entire biological structures such as organoids, organs, or organ sub-units; or

• One (1) cubic centimeter volumes of tissue

Projects must target storage durations of “≥30 days” at practical temperatures achievable with conventional equipment, including:

• -80˚C

• -20˚C

• 4˚C

• 20˚C-25˚C room temperature (RT)

ARPA-H states that innovations focused only at the cellular level “without a strategy for deployment in thick tissues will not be considered.” Preferred demonstration systems include:

• Organoids

• Donated tissues

• Whole organs

• Organ sub-structures

• Vascularized allografts

• Engineered tissues

The proposed effort must be structured as an 18-month program with:

• Two 9-month phases

• A down-select decision at the end of Phase 1

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Direct engagement with ARPA-H program staff

• Opportunity to advance foundational proofs-of-concept aligned with future ARPA-H research priorities

• Ability to position technologies for future commercial, clinical, and biomedical applications

• Potential future commercialization advantages for successful technologies

ARPA-H also states that “resource sharing is encouraged,” including:

• Shared-use infrastructure

• Data or IP access arrangements

• Performer contributions

• ROI or value-sharing mechanisms

The solicitation additionally notes that open-source software approaches and interoperability standards are preferred.

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

Key dates are:

• Posting Date: April 22nd, 2026

• Webinar: May 20th, 2026

• Webinar Registration deadline: May 18th, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

Intake Group 1:

• Solution Video due date: June 8th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

• Full Proposal due date: August 5th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

Intake Group 2:

• Solution Video due date: December 8th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

• Full Proposal due date: February 5th, 2027, 5:00 PM ET

ISO closing date:

• February 5th, 2027, 11:59 PM ET

The submission process includes:

1. Submission of a required Solution Video package

2. Submission of a Full Proposal

ARPA-H states it will “generally respond within 30 business days of receipt” for both Solution Video reviews and Full Proposal evaluations.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding comes from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), specifically through the Scalable Solutions Office.

The funding opportunity is titled:
“Technology InteGrator and AcceleratoR (TIGAR)”

The solicitation number is:
“ARPA-H-SOL-26-144”

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible proposers may include:

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• Other commercial entities

ARPA-H states that all sources capable of satisfying the government’s needs may respond unless suspended or debarred.

However, the solicitation specifically excludes:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) as primes or sub-performers, unless ARPA-H determines unique capabilities are necessary

• Government entities and government employees

• Individuals or entities currently providing professional support services to ARPA-H

• Entities suspended or debarred from doing business with the government

• Certain foreign entities and individuals restricted under the CHIPS and Science Act and other federal statutes

Foreign entities may participate if they comply with applicable regulations, export controls, and security requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov

• Have a valid UEI

• Maintain active registration throughout the award period

What companies and projects are likely to win?

ARPA-H states proposals will be evaluated primarily on:

1. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit

2. Proposer Capabilities and Experience

3. Contribution to the ARPA-H Mission and User Experience

4. Cost/Price Reasonableness

Competitive projects will likely include:

• Highly innovative and technically sound approaches

• Clear, testable experimental designs

• Logical technical milestones

• Strong risk mitigation plans

• Experienced interdisciplinary teams

• Clear commercialization or clinical relevance

• Practical solutions that improve storage and distribution of biologics

• Approaches that reduce dependence on tightly controlled temperature environments

• Technologies capable of preserving large or complex biological systems

ARPA-H also states strong proposals should:

• Consider end-user adoption and clinical workflow

• Address affordability and accessibility

• Align with interoperability and open standards

• Include commercially friendly open-source software approaches where applicable

The solicitation notes that ARPA-H prefers “novel solutions” and discourages low-risk proposals designed primarily to minimize budget.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Key restrictions and requirements include:

• Total requested funding cannot exceed $2 million USD

• Cellular-only preservation approaches without thick tissue deployment strategies are out of scope

• All submissions must be in English

• Non-conforming submissions may be rejected without review

• Submission is only allowed through the ARPA-H Solution Submission Portal

• Registration delays will not excuse late submissions

Additional restrictions include:

• Compliance with research security disclosure requirements

• Restrictions related to foreign entities and malign foreign talent recruitment programs

• Compliance with intellectual property and software interoperability standards

• Potential requirements for open-source alignment

• Human subjects and animal research compliance requirements where applicable

• Restrictions on dangerous gain-of-function research

• Restrictions on procurement of synthetic nucleic acids from non-compliant suppliers

ARPA-H also reserves the right to:

• Select all, some, one, or none of the proposals

• Negotiate only portions of proposals

• Remove proposals from consideration during negotiations

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Applicants should expect a meaningful preparation effort due to the two-step submission process and detailed proposal requirements.

The required Solution Video package includes:

• A 7-minute prerecorded video

• Transcript

• Supplemental slides

• Team overview

• Risk mitigation strategies

• Timeline and milestones

• Cost summary

The Full Proposal package requires:

• Technical & Management Proposal

• Cost Proposal

• Cost Proposal Workbook

• Administrative & National Policy documentation

Companies pursuing competitive submissions will likely need substantial coordination across technical, regulatory, commercialization, and management teams. Early registration in SAM.gov and the ARPA-H submission portal is strongly advised because registration processing may take “7–10 business days” or longer.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support applicants throughout the TIGAR application process, including:

• Assessing program fit and competitiveness

• Developing commercialization and technical positioning

• Structuring milestone-driven workplans

• Drafting and editing Solution Video materials

• Preparing compliant Full Proposal packages

• Developing cost narratives and supporting documentation

• Assisting with risk mitigation and evaluation alignment

• Supporting submission strategy across intake groups

We can also help teams translate complex technical concepts into clear, ARPA-H-aligned proposal narratives focused on impact, feasibility, commercialization potential, and user adoption.Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

AFWERX SBIR Open Topic Program

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

Executive Summary:

The AFWERX Open Topic and STRATFI/TACFI programs are designed to help commercial technology companies transition dual-use technologies into Department of the Air Force (DAF) applications. These programs are among the most founder-friendly defense funding pathways because companies propose their own technology solutions rather than responding to narrowly defined technical requirements.

The Open Topic provides multiple entry points:

• Phase I feasibility studies

• Traditional Phase II prototype development

• Direct to Phase II (D2P2) for companies with mature technology and existing Air Force customer relationships

STRATFI/TACFI is intended to help companies bridge the “Valley of Death” between SBIR/STTR Phase II and Phase III commercialization and scaling efforts.

The STRATFI/TACFI PY26.2 Notice of Opportunity is “Coming Soon,” and AFWERX states additional details and submission guidance will be released over the next few weeks. No application deadline is currently specified in the materials provided.

How much funding would I receive?

Open Topic Phase I:

• Maximum award of $75K (SBIR)

• Maximum award of $110K (STTR)

Open Topic Phase II:

• Maximum award of $2M (SBIR)

• Maximum award of $2M (STTR)

Direct to Phase II (D2P2):

• Maximum award of $1.25M (SBIR)

The STRATFI/TACFI follow-on funding provides anywhere from $375k to $15m with private and government matching requirements.

Areas of Interest

Autonomous Mass:

• Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)

• Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)

• Weapons Technology

Command, Control, & Battle Management:

• Communications, & Battle Management (C3BM)

• Advanced Mission Systems Architecture & Engineering

Counter Incursion:

• Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (cUAS)

• Kinetic/Non-Kinetic Defeat

Agile Combat & Readiness

• Contested Logistics

• Manufacturing & Readiness

Alignment with the DOW’s Critical Technology Areas (CTAs):

• Applied Artifical Intelligence

• Biomanufacturing

• Logistics Technologies

• Battlefield Information Dominance

• Scaled Hypersonics

• Scaled Directed Energy

What could I use the funding for?

Phase I funding is intended to:

• Conduct technical feasibility studies

• Identify a DAF end user and customer

• Secure a signed Customer Memorandum

• Prepare for a Phase II proposal

Phase II funding is intended to:

• Conduct further R&D

• Build and adapt prototypes

• Develop dual-use solutions for Air Force applications

• Work directly with an Air Force Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)

D2P2 funding is intended for companies that:

• Already have a prototype-ready solution

• Have identified an Air Force end user and customer

• Already possess a signed Customer Memorandum

STRATFI/TACFI funding is intended to:

• Bridge the “Valley of Death” between Phase II and Phase III

• Support transition and scaling efforts

• Deliver strategic capabilities for the DAF

Phase III efforts may include:

• Products

• Services

• Research/R&D

• Testing and evaluation

• Production contracts

• Commercialization activities funded by non-SBIR/STTR dollars

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Direct access to Air Force and Space Force customers

• Ability to transition commercial technology into defense markets

• Opportunity to secure sole-source Phase III awards

• Access to Air Force Technical Points of Contact (TPOCs)

• Potential follow-on commercialization opportunities

AFWERX states that:

• “The Open Topic is the front door to working with the Department of the Air Force.”

• More than 75% of companies received their first Air Force SBIR/STTR contract through AFVentures

• 27% of participating companies are receiving private investments

• Over $1.12B has been executed through AFVentures to date

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

Open Topic Phase I:

• Period of Performance: 3 months

Open Topic Phase II:

• Period of Performance: Up to 21 months

Direct to Phase II (D2P2):

• Period of Performance: Up to 21 months

STRATFI/TACFI PY26.2:

• Notice of Opportunity “Coming Soon”

• Additional submission guidance will be released “over the next few weeks”

• No application deadline is specified in the provided materials

AFWERX notes that solicitation dates are subject to change.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

• AFWERX

• SpaceWERX

• Department of the Air Force (DAF)

• Air Force SBIR/STTR programs

Phase III efforts specifically must be funded by sources other than SBIR/STTR set-aside funding.

Who is eligible to apply?

Open Topic eligibility is intended for:

• Small businesses

• Companies with dual-use technologies

• Firms capable of supporting Department of the Air Force missions

STRATFI/TACFI eligibility requires ALL of the following:

• Company must qualify as a Small Business Concern (SBC)

• SBC must be eligible for a SBIR/STTR award

• Company must be on an active SBIR/STTR Phase II effort or have completed Phase II within two years of Capability Package submission

• The subject Phase II effort must not already have received a second (“sequential”) Phase II

• At least 90 days must have passed since the beginning of the associated SBIR/STTR Phase II execution

• SBC must not be executing a prior STRATFI effort at the time of submission

• Anticipated work must be performed in the United States

Submission for STRATFI/TACFI must be completed by a Government POC only.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

AFWERX states it is interested in:

• Innovative technology domains with demonstrated commercial value

• Dual-use technologies and solutions

• Technologies that can support Air Force mission needs

• Companies capable of transitioning solutions to warfighters

Strong applicants are likely to have:

• Existing commercial traction

• Identified Air Force customers and end users

• A signed Customer Memorandum

• Clear transition and commercialization plans

• Prototype-ready technology for D2P2 opportunities

For STRATFI/TACFI, companies with active Phase II transition momentum and strong government/customer alignment are likely to be more competitive.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• STRATFI/TACFI submissions must be completed by Government POC only

• Incomplete submissions will not be considered

• Phase III efforts cannot be funded with SBIR or STTR dollars

• Phase III work must derive from, extend, or complete prior SBIR/STTR efforts

• Phase III contracts must comply with SBIR/STTR data rights requirements

• D2P2 applicants must demonstrate technical merit and possess a signed Customer Memorandum

The materials also state:

• Phase III contracts may involve non-SBIR/STTR federal funding sources

• Work is anticipated to be performed in the United States

• Sole-source Phase III awards may be made because competition requirements were satisfied during Phase I and II

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify expected application preparation timelines.

However, companies should expect substantial preparation work related to:

• Identifying Air Force end users and customers

• Securing a signed Customer Memorandum

• Preparing technical and commercialization materials

• Coordinating with Government POCs

• Completing submission templates and guidance documentation

STRATFI/TACFI applicants are instructed to:

• Review FAQs and submission checklists

• Review guidance documentation

• Complete required templates

• Submit through the online application system

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help companies:

• Position commercial technology for AFWERX Open Topic alignment

• Develop compelling dual-use commercialization narratives

• Identify and support Customer Memorandum strategies

• Prepare SBIR/STTR Phase I, Phase II, D2P2, and STRATFI/TACFI applications

• Translate technical capabilities into defense-relevant outcomes

• Build transition and scaling strategies for Phase III opportunities

• Manage submission preparation and compliance requirements

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

ARPA-H | IGoR - Intelligent Generator of Research

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

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H is seeking multidisciplinary teams to build an AI-enabled interoperable research ecosystem through the Intelligent Generator of Research (IGoR) program. The goal is to dramatically accelerate biomedical research and therapeutic development by creating mechanistic disease models, AI-driven experiment orchestration, standardized protocols, and a distributed network of validated laboratories. ARPA-H states the system is intended to enable researchers to create validated knowledge “at least 10x more rapidly than conventional approaches.”

This is a 5-year, 3-phase program under the ARPA-H Proactive Health Office. ARPA-H anticipates awarding approximately three Other Transaction (OT) agreements to teams capable of addressing all four technical components of the program.

Solution Summaries are due by 06/25/2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Full Proposals are due by 08/06/2026, 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Time. Companies interested in applying should begin organizing teaming structures and registrations immediately, particularly because SAM.gov registration can take 7–10 business days.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify total funding amounts or individual award sizes.

ARPA-H states it anticipates making:

• “Multiple Other Transaction (OTs) Agreements”

• Approximately three awards to multidisciplinary teams

The solicitation does not specify:

• Ceiling amounts

• Floor amounts

• Cost share requirements

• Phase-specific funding allocations

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support development of the IGoR ecosystem, including:

• Mechanistic disease models encoding causal biological relationships across scales

• An AI orchestration layer that identifies knowledge gaps and designs experiments

• A layered protocol architecture enabling reproducible experimentation

• A distributed marketplace of validated laboratories returning standardized data

ARPA-H expects performers to address all four technical components as part of an integrated system.

The solicitation states the objective is to:

• Eliminate longstanding inefficiencies in research

• Accelerate development of therapies for complex diseases

• Enable validated knowledge generation at least 10x faster than conventional approaches

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Participation in a high-visibility ARPA-H initiative

• Access to collaboration and networking opportunities through the Proposers’ Day

• Ability to form multidisciplinary teams and partnerships

• Flexibility associated with Other Transaction (OT) agreements compared to traditional federal contracts

ARPA-H also states that:

• Resource sharing is encouraged

• A recording of the Proposers’ Day will be posted publicly

The solicitation does not specify additional commercialization support, follow-on funding pathways, or transition assistance.

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

Key dates:

• Proposers’ Day: T.B.D.

• Solution Summaries due: 06/25/2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time

• Full Proposals due: 08/06/2026, 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Time

Submission process:

1. Submit a Solution Summary

2. Receive feedback from ARPA-H indicating whether proposal submission is encouraged or discouraged

3. Submit a full proposal

ARPA-H notes that proposers may still submit full proposals even if discouraged after the Solution Summary review.

The solicitation does not specify:

• Award announcement dates

• Negotiation timelines

• Expected project start dates

• Timing of funding disbursement

Where does this funding come from?

This funding comes from:

• Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)

• Proactive Health Office

Program:

• Intelligent Generator of Research (IGoR)

Solicitation Number:

• ARPA-H-SOL-26-155

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants may include:

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• Other commercial entities

ARPA-H states that all sources capable of satisfying the government’s needs may respond unless otherwise restricted.

Restrictions include:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) generally may not participate as prime or sub-performers unless ARPA-H determines unique capabilities are necessary

• Government entities and government employees are generally prohibited

• Current ARPA-H support service providers are ineligible

• Certain foreign entities and individuals are prohibited under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and related national security restrictions

Applicants must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov

• Have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

• Maintain active SAM.gov registration through award

ARPA-H states new SAM.gov registrations take an average of 7–10 business days.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

ARPA-H states it anticipates selecting approximately three multidisciplinary teams capable of addressing all four components of the IGoR ecosystem.

Competitive proposals will likely demonstrate:

• Integrated multidisciplinary capabilities

• AI and machine learning expertise

• Mechanistic disease modeling capabilities

• Experimental protocol standardization

• Large-scale laboratory coordination capabilities

• Reproducible data generation approaches

• Ability to execute across all technical areas described in Appendix A

The solicitation emphasizes:

• Bold and unconventional research directions

• Accelerated knowledge generation

• Interoperable research infrastructure

• Reproducibility and standardization

ARPA-H also encourages resource sharing and teaming.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• FFRDCs and government entities generally cannot serve as prime or sub-performers

• Current ARPA-H support contractors are ineligible

• Certain foreign entities and individuals are prohibited

• Submissions containing proprietary information must be clearly marked

• All Solution Summaries must:

  • Be in English

  • Use sans serif fonts no smaller than 11-point

  • Be limited to five pages (excluding cover pages and references)

ARPA-H also notes:

• It will not reimburse proposal preparation costs

• Late submissions caused by delayed registration may not be considered

• Large language models (LLMs) may be used during review under controlled security conditions

The solicitation does not specify:

• Mandatory cost share

• Manufacturing requirements

• Export control classifications

• Intellectual property terms beyond standard OT agreement references

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This opportunity will likely require substantial preparation effort because:

• ARPA-H expects multidisciplinary teams

• Applicants must address all four major technical components

• Teaming and integration strategies will likely be critical

• OT-based proposals are often highly technical and milestone-driven

Preparation activities may include:

• Forming consortium relationships

• Finalizing technical architecture

• Building execution and management plans

• Completing SAM.gov registration

• Preparing a Solution Summary followed by a full proposal

The solicitation does not specify expected proposal preparation timelines.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Assess fit with the IGoR program objectives

• Build a competitive teaming strategy

• Translate technical concepts into ARPA-H-ready proposal language

• Develop Solution Summaries and full proposals

• Structure OT-compliant submissions

• Build milestone-driven technical plans

• Coordinate multidisciplinary proposal development

• Prepare management, commercialization, and execution materials

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

ARPA-H | HEARING - Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy

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

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H’s Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING) program is seeking teams capable of developing the first minimally invasive, brain-connected hearing restoration platform that can read and write auditory information directly with the brain’s auditory cortex. The program aims to move beyond traditional hearing aids and cochlear implants by creating closed-loop systems that can reduce background noise in real time, personalize hearing restoration, and restore hearing close to normal for people with mild to severe hearing loss.

This is a highly ambitious, systems-level program requiring integrated teams spanning neurotechnology, wireless power and communications, AI/ML auditory decoding, clinical audiology, neurosurgery, regulatory affairs, and device commercialization. ARPA-H explicitly requires proposals to address all three Technical Areas (TAs) and all three program phases.

Solution Summaries are due Monday, June 29, 2026, 2:00 PM ET. Full Proposals are due Friday, August 14th, 2026, 2:00 PM ET. Companies interested in leading or participating in a team should begin partner discussions immediately because the solicitation strongly emphasizes multidisciplinary integration and system-level execution.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states that ARPA-H anticipates making “Multiple Other Transaction (OTs) Agreements.”

The solicitation does not specify:

• Total program funding

• Individual award sizes

• Ceiling amounts

• Floor amounts

• Number of awards

• Funding by Technical Area

• Funding by phase

Cost sharing is “Encouraged (Optional).”

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support development of a fully integrated closed-loop hearing restoration platform across three Technical Areas:

• TA1: Intracortical Device(s)

  • Minimally invasive brain interfaces

  • Recording and stimulation technologies

  • Wireless brain-connected devices

  • Cortical targeting technologies

  • Implant delivery systems

• TA2: Dynamic Sound Modulator

  • Wearable hearing-aid-like devices

  • Wireless power transfer

  • Bidirectional communications

  • Closed-loop auditory systems

  • External processing hardware

• TA3: Auditory Read & Write Algorithms

  • AI/ML auditory decoding

  • Neural signal interpretation

  • Personalized hearing restoration algorithms

  • Closed-loop neuroprocessing software

  • Auditory stimulation and modulation systems

The program also supports:

• Animal studies

• Human data collection

• Pre-clinical validation

• Regulatory engagement with FDA

• First-in-human (FIH) studies

• Manufacturing scale-up

• Clinical protocols

• System integration activities

The solicitation requires all proposals to address all three TAs and all program phases.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Direct engagement with ARPA-H

• FDA engagement and regulatory planning support

• Participation in ARPA-H performer meetings

• Collaboration opportunities with multidisciplinary teams

• Potential commercialization pathways

• Clinical translation support

• Access to a high-visibility national neurotechnology initiative

ARPA-H states it is uniquely positioned to:

• Convene multidisciplinary teams

• Set aggressive system-level milestones

• Provide commercialization support

• Provide regulatory support

The solicitation also encourages:

• Open or permissive licensing for interoperability components

• Shared data standards

• Shared benchmarking tools

• Shared reference datasets

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

Key dates are:

• Proposers’ Day: Monday, June 8, 2026

• Questions & Answers (Q&A) due date: Monday, June 15th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

• Solution Summaries due date: Monday, June 29, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

• Full Proposals due date: Friday, August 14th, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

The HEARING program is structured as a 4.5-year effort consisting of:

• Phase 1: Research & Development (18 months)

• Phase 2: Pre-Clinical (24 months)

• Phase 3: Clinical / First-in-Human Studies (12 months)

The solicitation does not specify:

• Award announcement dates

• Contract negotiation timelines

• Expected project start dates

• Payment schedules

Where does this funding come from?

This funding comes from:

• Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)

• Health Science Futures (HSF) Office

Program title:

• Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING)

Solicitation number:

• ARPA-H-SOL-26-154

Announcement type:

• Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO)

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible proposers include:

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• Other than small businesses

The solicitation states:
“All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs may submit a proposal to this ISO.”

Additional eligibility requirements and restrictions include:

• Proposals must address all three Technical Areas and all program phases

• Proposals must be submitted under a single prime awardee

• Teams must include interdisciplinary expertise

• Teams must include representative end-user, clinical, and regulatory expertise

• Proposers may submit a maximum of:

  • One (1) proposal as prime proposer

  • Two (2) proposals as sub proposer

• SAM.gov registration is required

Non-U.S. entities:

• May participate subject to applicable regulations and restrictions

• ARPA-H will prioritize work conducted in the United States

Ineligible entities include:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) as prime or sub performers, unless specifically approved

• Government entities and federal employees as performers

• Organizations with unmitigable organizational conflicts of interest

• Certain foreign entities identified under applicable federal statutes

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The strongest proposals will likely include:

• Fully integrated multidisciplinary teams

• Existing expertise in neurotechnology and BCIs

• Strong preliminary data

• Demonstrated ability to execute complex hardware/software integration

• FDA and clinical strategy experience

• Real-world hearing restoration validation plans

• Commercialization pathways

• Human data collection capabilities

• Experience with wireless implantable systems

• AI/ML auditory decoding expertise

ARPA-H explicitly states that proposals should:

• Be innovative and feasible

• Be supported by preliminary evidence

• Address major technical risks

• Include clear mitigation strategies

• Demonstrate commercialization potential

• Consider end-user experience and accessibility

• Improve speech-in-noise outcomes

• Support real-world usability

Projects that are likely to be noncompetitive include:

• Incremental improvements to existing hearing aids

• Solutions addressing only one TA

• Programs lacking system integration capability

• Solutions requiring craniotomy or craniectomy for the final TA1 device

• Technologies without sufficient preliminary evidence

• Systems with cumbersome form factors

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Key restrictions include:

Technical restrictions:

• Proposals must address all TAs and all phases

• Final TA1 devices cannot require surgical skull access (e.g., craniotomy or craniectomy)

• Implanted batteries subdurally or deeper into the brain are out of scope

• Solutions cannot rely on cumbersome form factors

• Solutions functioning only in controlled environments may be deemed non-responsive

Administrative restrictions:

• Solution Summary submission is required before submitting a Full Proposal

• Submissions must be in English

• Submission must occur through the ARPA-H Solution Submission Portal

• SAM.gov registration is required

Program restrictions:

• FFRDCs and Government entities are generally prohibited from participating as performers

• Current ARPA-H support contractors may be ineligible due to OCI restrictions

• Certain foreign entities are prohibited

Regulatory requirements:

• FDA engagement is expected

• IND/IDE approvals or equivalent permissions are required before Phase 3

• Human subject research approvals are required where applicable

The solicitation also notes that ARPA-H may impose publication restrictions for projects involving sensitive information.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This will likely require a substantial proposal effort.

The solicitation requires:

• A single integrated proposal

• Coverage of all three Technical Areas

• Coverage of all three phases

• Detailed technical milestones

• Regulatory planning

• Clinical planning

• Manufacturing planning

• Animal study plans

• Human data collection strategies

• System integration plans

• Commercialization considerations

• Cost proposals

• Extensive interdisciplinary teaming

Most teams will likely need:

• Multiple institutional partners

• Clinical collaborators

• Regulatory consultants

• Neurotechnology expertise

• AI/ML expertise

• Hardware and firmware engineering support

• Program integration leadership

Teams without existing partnerships and preliminary work may face compressed timelines before the:

• Solution Summaries due date: Monday, June 29, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

• Full Proposals due date: Friday, August 14th, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Go/no-go evaluation

• Teaming strategy and partner identification

• Technical narrative development

• System integration positioning

• ARPA-H proposal strategy

• Workplan and milestone development

• Commercialization positioning

• Regulatory strategy framing

• Competitive differentiation

• Budget development support

• Full proposal writing and coordination

• Submission management

For HEARING specifically, BW&CO can also help teams:

• Translate highly technical neurotechnology concepts into ARPA-H-ready narratives

• Align deliverables with program metrics

• Structure multidisciplinary proposals across all three TAs

• Position preliminary data effectively

• Build compelling transition and clinical translation strategies

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

CDMRP - Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP), administered by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), is expected to release multiple funding opportunities supporting innovative, high-impact prostate cancer research with clinical relevance. The program is focused on eliminating death and suffering from prostate cancer through new therapies, improved clinical care, survivorship research, and better understanding of disease progression.

This is currently a pre-announcement. Funding opportunity announcements will be posted later on Grants.gov and will include official pre-application and application deadlines. At this time, the application deadline is not specified in the solicitation.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding amounts depend on the award mechanism.

• Data Science Award

  • Maximum allowable funding is $1.4 million for total costs

  • Maximum period of performance is 3 years

• Early Investigator Research Award

  • Maximum allowable funding is $630,000 for total costs

  • Maximum period of performance is 3 years

• Idea Development Award

  • Established Investigator Option:

    • Maximum allowable funding is $1.7M for total costs

    • Maximum period of performance is 3 years

  • New Investigator Option:

    • Maximum allowable funding is $2.1M for total costs

    • Maximum period of performance is 4 years

• Physician Research Award

  • Maximum allowable funding is $1.1M for total costs

  • Maximum period of performance is 4 years

The solicitation states that total costs include direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

The allowable use of funds depends on the award mechanism.

Data Science Award supports research that develops or uses quantitative and analytical approaches, processes, and/or systems to obtain knowledge and insight from large and/or complex sets of prostate cancer data in areas including:

• Analysis of clinically annotated datasets

• Analysis of “-omics” data

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning

• Bioinformatics

• Computational biology

• Digital pathology

• Epidemiology

• Medical imaging

Early Investigator Research Award supports prostate cancer research conducted by early-stage investigators under mentorship from experienced researchers.

Idea Development Award supports innovative, high-risk and high-gain approaches to prostate cancer research.

Physician Research Award supports mentored research experiences for physicians pursuing careers in prostate cancer research and clinical practice.

Several mechanisms allow clinical research and correlative studies associated with ongoing or completed clinical trials, but clinical trials themselves are not allowed under these awards.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Access to CDMRP-administered funding programs with national visibility

• Support for researcher career development and mentorship under the Early Investigator Research Award and Physician Research Award

• Flexibility for multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration under certain award mechanisms

• Opportunity to pursue high-risk, high-gain research concepts through the Idea Development Award

The solicitation also encourages, but does not require:

• Preliminary data for several award mechanisms

• Multidisciplinary projects

• Multi-institutional projects

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

This notice is a pre-announcement only.

The solicitation states that:

• Funding opportunity announcements will be posted later on Grants.gov

• Once released, the funding opportunity announcements will include pre-application and application deadlines

• The PCRP requires submission of a letter of intent prior to full application submission

• Before full application submission, the CDMRP requires submission of a pre-application through eBRAP prior to the pre-application deadline

The application deadline is not specified in the solicitation.

The timing for award decisions or funding distribution is not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

The funding comes from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and is administered through:

• Defense Health Agency Research and Development (DHA R&D)

• Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC)

• Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)

The funding opportunity is part of the FY26 Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility depends on the award mechanism.

Data Science Award

• Independent investigators at all levels

Early Investigator Research Award

• Early-career investigators possessing a doctoral degree, or equivalent, with fewer than 3 years of postdoctoral research experience at the application submission deadline, excluding clinical residency or clinical fellowship training

Idea Development Award
Established Investigators:

• Independent investigators at all levels

New Investigators:

• Independent investigators that:

  • Have not previously received a PCRP Idea Development Award and/or Health Disparity Research Award

  • Either completed at least 3 years of postdoctoral training or fellowship or are within 10 years after completion of terminal degree, excluding residency or family medical leave

Physician Research Award

• Early-career clinician investigators that are either:

  • In the last year of an accredited medical residency or medical fellowship program

  • Within 5 years of initiating a faculty appointment, including instructor positions or equivalent

Additional personnel requirements apply for mentored mechanisms.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects are likely to be competitive if they:

• Address one or more of the PCRP’s overarching challenges

• Demonstrate clinical relevance and potential impact

• Propose innovative approaches to prostate cancer research

• Focus on improving outcomes for patients with lethal prostate cancer

• Advance survivorship, wellness, or clinical care

• Improve understanding of progression to lethal prostate cancer

The solicitation specifically emphasizes:

• Innovation and impact equally under the Idea Development Award

• High-risk and high-gain approaches

• Quantitative and analytical methods for large and complex prostate cancer datasets under the Data Science Award

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Applications cannot support clinical trials under all listed award mechanisms

• Data Science Award applications cannot support prospective recruitment of human subjects

• Several awards require submission of a letter of intent prior to full application submission

• Full applications must conform to the final funding opportunity announcements available on Grants.gov

• Certain mechanisms require mentorship and researcher development plans

• Physician Research Award applications strongly encourage protection of at least 20% of the PI’s time for prostate cancer research

The solicitation states that this announcement is only a pre-announcement and should not be construed as an obligation or promise by the government.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify expected preparation time.

However, applicants should anticipate preparing:

• A pre-application through eBRAP

• A letter of intent

• A full application package

• Research development plans for mentored mechanisms

• Supporting documentation related to eligibility, mentorship, and project scope

Because official funding opportunity announcements and deadlines have not yet been released, applicants may benefit from beginning project planning early.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help companies and research teams:

• Evaluate which FY26 PCRP mechanism best aligns with their technology or research program

• Position projects around the program’s stated overarching challenges

• Develop commercialization and impact narratives

• Coordinate scientific, clinical, and subcontractor partners

• Manage proposal development, writing, compliance, and submission

• Prepare pre-applications, letters of intent, and full proposals

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.