Recent federal slowdowns and programmatic disruptions—including delayed scientific reviews, shifting deadlines, and delays around specific mechanisms like Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)—have highlighted that relying on a single funding pathway is increasingly risky. By broadening the set of agencies, programs, and partnerships you consider, you can diversify funding sources, reduce vulnerability to individual program delays, and uncover new opportunities that align with your scientific development and fundraising needs.
In recent years, federal and non-federal organizations have expanded their portfolio and developed more creative approaches to investing in translational sciences, including biomanufacturing, medical devices, digital health, and countermeasure development. Many of these new mechanisms provide larger budgets, more flexible scope, and broader resources than traditional opportunities.
Below is a non-exhaustive landscape of funding sources worth considering as you expand your search.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Opportunities
What they are: U01/R01 mechanisms designed specifically to support collaborations between companies and academic partners.
Why consider them: Ideal for teams needing access to scientific expertise, preclinical models, or clinical infrastructure; often supports higher budgets for complex development plans.
What it is: A cross-NIH initiative supporting the development of emerging neuromodulation and neurotechnology devices.
Why consider it: Provides funding and specialized product development resources, including regulatory, engineering, and manufacturing expertise.
What it is: A program aimed at advancing small molecules and biologics for neurological diseases.
Why consider it: Highly hands-on; provides funding plus medicinal chemistry, toxicology, PK, and project management support.
What it is: A suite of funding and mentoring programs supporting translational technologies—from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
Why consider it: In addition to funding, this opportunity offers significant non-dilutive support including access to product development experts, preclinical development services, and regulatory services.
Department of War (DOW) & Defense-Affiliated Consortia
Focus: Biomanufacturing, biodefense, biosurveillance, and enabling platform technologies.
Why consider it: Rolling abstract submissions; high-risk/high-reward projects welcomed; large budgets and rapid timelines.
Focus: Translational biomedical technologies relevant to warfighter health and readiness.
Why consider it: Frequent solicitations, flexible contracting, and opportunities like the Bridge Funding Program to support valley-of-death activities.
Focus: Medical countermeasures, diagnostics, and technologies addressing chemical and biological threats.
Why consider it: Strong fit for teams working in infectious disease, toxicology, synthetic biology, and advanced detection systems.
Focus: Trauma care, TBI, burns, mental health, operational medicine, and military family health.
Why consider it: Wide range of topic areas; open BAA allows submission of innovative concepts year-round.
ARPA-H (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health)
Focus: High-impact, scalable biomedical platforms.
Why consider it: Aims for transformative—not incremental—solutions; major budget ceilings and flexible development pathways.
Focus: Proactive Health, Health Science Futures, Scalable Solutions, Resilient Systems
Why consider it: These standing calls accept investigator-initiated ideas that don’t fit traditional categories but have breakthrough potential.
Non-Federal & Philanthropic Funders
Focus: Stem cell, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy innovations.
Why consider it: Large awards, milestone-driven structure, and strong commercialization support.
Focus: Technologies addressing unmet needs in women’s health.
Why consider it: Dedicated funding in a historically underfunded therapeutic area.
Focus: Novel therapeutics, biomarkers, and diagnostics for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Why consider it: Multiple programs covering preclinical through early clinical development.
Bottom Line
The current funding landscape is challenging, but it is also rich with opportunity. By deliberately diversifying funding sources—across NIH, defense agencies, ARPA-H, and private foundations—innovators can build a more resilient development strategy, access larger budgets, and tap into specialized expertise that accelerates time to market.