Now is the time! NIA's small business programs offer up to $1.5 million in no-strings-attached funding
If you run a small business, are thinking of starting a small business, or have an idea focused on Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer’s-related dementias (AD/ADRD) that has a commercial side, then this blog is for you! Whether your focus is therapeutic drug development, systems of care, effects on families, or something else, there are opportunities for you through our small business research and development (R&D) programs – known as SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer Research).
NIA’s SBIR and STTR grant mechanisms fund eligible small businesses to conduct aging- and health-focused R&D leading to the development of innovative products and services to improve the health and well-being of older Americans. In fiscal year 2018 (which ends on September 30, 2018), we expect to provide more than $70 million in funding for small business innovation in R&D on aging-related conditions and concerns, including and especially Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD).
Funding opportunities
NIA is the lead federal agency sponsoring research on AD/ADRD and has been granted an unprecedented budget to address and develop interventions and therapeutics that prevent, treat, or even cure AD/ADRD.
Consequently, we have a unique opportunity to expand and enrich our small business R&D programs that focus on commercialization—including drug development—of AD/ADRD-focused products and/or services. These products include, but are not limited to:
- Mobile technology to monitor and assess daily functions of people with AD/ADRD
- Testing compounds shown to extend life span or health span in AD/ADRD animal models
- Translation of clinical guidelines into new and effective tools for clinical care and management of AD, ADRD, and associated comorbidities.
- New tools and methodologies to prevent, diagnose, treat, and care for people with AD/ADRD.
- Socially assistive robots to help people with AD/ADRD and their caregivers
Apply now!
Truly, we have not seen a better time for applicants with new and different ideas and approaches. We’re supporting awards in areas unrelated to AD/ADRD, as well. We are looking to attract small businesses that have never before considered or participated in these programs. If you’re completely new to the process, a good place to start is the NIH SBIR/STTR site.
The next application deadline—April 5th—is just around the corner. If you can’t make that deadline, please consider preparing an application for September. There are three annual application deadlines: January 5, April 5, and September 5.
For more information, including contact information, learn more about NIA’s small business programs. We look forward to connecting with you about your ideas and innovations!