Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Development and Validation of Model Systems to Facilitate Neurotherapeutic Discovery (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Does this fit your business?

This is an NIH research grant for developing and validating animal models or ex vivo tissue systems that mimic neurological or neuromuscular disorders, aimed at enabling future neurotherapeutic drug discovery. It fits small biotech firms, universities, and research nonprofits doing early-stage translational neuroscience; it is not for companies outside biotech or life sciences, and clinical trials are not allowed. If your business has no research capacity in disease modeling, do not apply.

Best for

Small biotech or life-science companies developing animal or ex vivo models of neurological or neuromuscular disorders, Universities and research institutions doing early-stage neurotherapeutic drug discovery, Nonprofits and labs validating disease models for preclinical testing, Government or tribal entities supporting translational neuroscience research

Not for

Clinical-stage companies or researchers seeking funding for human trials, Businesses outside biotech or life sciences with no neurological disease model work, Organizations needing funding for general operations or unrelated R&D

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for

Research, R&D, Model development, Validation

Who can apply

Small businesses, For-profit companies, Nonprofits, State and local governments, Tribal governments and organizations, Colleges and universities, Other applicants (see eligibility)

Award range

Up to $750,000

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 20, 2027. The opportunity was posted on October 21, 2024.

How much funding can an applicant receive?

The largest award is $750,000, and total program funding is also listed at $750,000. No cost sharing is required.

Who can apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants include small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, private and public institutions of higher education, state, county, city, and special district governments, federally recognized tribal governments and tribal organizations, independent school districts, public housing authorities, and certain other entities such as HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, and foreign organizations. Clinical trials are not allowed under this opportunity.

Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?

The facts do not specifically address sole proprietors or single-member LLCs. Small businesses and for-profit organizations are eligible, but the notice does not spell out how sole proprietorships are treated, so you would need to confirm with NIH or Grants.gov.

Can a nonprofit apply?

Yes. Both nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are listed as eligible applicants.

Summary

NIH IGNITE grants fund development and validation of animal models and ex vivo tissue systems that mimic neurological or neuromuscular disorders to enable future neurotherapeutic drug discovery. Eligible applicants include small businesses, for-profit organizations, nonprofits, universities, state/local/tribal governments, and other entities; clinical trials not allowed. Ceiling $750,000.

About this grant

Who can apply

Topics and uses of funds

Program contact