Session Overview
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that funds bold, high-impact health innovations through milestone-driven programs. Since its launch in 2022, ARPA-H has operated with an annual budget of approximately $1.5 billion, supporting large, transformative awards often ranging from millions to tens of millions of dollars per project. For innovators pursuing substantial non-dilutive capital to advance breakthrough technologies, ARPA-H represents a powerful and strategic funding opportunity.
This webinar, led by scientific grants expert Dr. Chelcie Heaney, provides a practical guide to approaching funding opportunities at ARPA-H. Attendees learn about ARPA‑H’s structure, mission offices, and funding mechanisms like Mission Office Innovative Solution Openings (ISOs) and targeted programs, including the use of Other Transactions (OTs), and gain actionable insights for assessing idea fit, developing solution summaries, and preparing full proposals. The session also highlights best practices for engaging program managers, navigating rapid timelines, and leveraging lessons from successful ARPA‑H awardees.
Key Takeaways
- ARPA‑H is modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as an independent health-focused agency within HHS that supports high-risk, high-reward innovations.
- Program Managers (PMs) develop targeted programs, guide proposers’ milestones and scope, and are deeply involved in the review process.
- ARPA‑H uses OTs instead of grants, providing flexibility in scope, reporting, IP rights, and payments.
- Successful proposals target early-stage technologies that start at technology readiness level (TRL) 2–3, aiming to advance to TRL 5–6, and emphasize innovation rather than iterative improvements.
- Evaluate whether your project is a fit for ARPA-H by addressing:
- The health problem and its importance.
- Limitations of current approaches and how your solution is transformative.
- Scientific and technical risks.
- Quantitative milestones and success metrics.
- Accessibility and potential misuse considerations.
- Attend Proposers’ Days to meet PMs and potential collaborators.
- Prepare for quick turnarounds: solution summaries are followed by full proposals typically due within 45 days.
- Review solicitations carefully and act on feedback when resubmitting.
- Budget modularly with clear milestones
- Currently open ARPA‑H opportunities include:
- Mission Office ISOs:
- Targeted programs:
- Foreign organizations can apply, though projects executed primarily in the U.S. are prioritized.
EGC is proud to have supported clients in receiving over $250M in ARPA-H funding
- Key elements of successful proposals include:
- strong multidisciplinary teams
- robust metrics
- sufficient development time
- well-justified budgets.
- Click the links below for some ARPA-H client success stories:
