OpenFederal grantOpen to for-profit businessesRFA-NS-24-031

BRAIN Initiative: Preclinical Proof of Concept for Novel Recording and Modulation Technologies in the Human CNS (R18 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

National Institutes of HealthCloses Jan 28, 2027(107 days left)Up to $750,000

Does this fit your business?

This is an NIH BRAIN Initiative R18 grant for taking novel CNS recording and modulation technologies—electrical, optical, magnetic, or acoustic—from proof of concept to readiness for first-in-human studies. It fits small businesses, universities, and nonprofits already building neurotechnology for diagnosing or treating CNS disorders. If you are not developing that kind of technology, or you need funding for a clinical trial, do not apply.

Best for
Small businesses developing CNS recording or modulation devices, For-profit companies preparing technologies for first-in-human studies, Universities and higher education institutions doing preclinical neuroscience research, Nonprofits working on central nervous system diagnostics or treatment technologies
Not for
Businesses with no CNS or neurotechnology focus, Organizations seeking funding for clinical trials, Foreign organizations or companies with non-U.S. components
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Healthcare & BiotechMatches your industry (clinical)
82
Strong Match
Technology & SoftwareMatches your industry (tech)
75
Strong Match
Education & TrainingMatches your industry (stem)
71
Good Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Arts & CultureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to arts & culture
54
Possible Match
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Nothing in this notice points to energy & clean tech
54
Possible Match
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Environment & ConservationLimit: Nothing in this notice points to environment & conservation
54
Possible Match
Finance & BankingLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Food & BeverageLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
ManufacturingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to manufacturing
54
Possible Match
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Social Services & NonprofitLimit: Nothing in this notice points to social services & nonprofit
54
Possible Match
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to construction & infrastructure
53
Possible Match

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
R&D, Research
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 January 28, 2027.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
The largest award is $750,000.
Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, small businesses, other for-profit organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, state, county, city, township, and special district governments, federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, independent school districts, and certain other organizations such as HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions. Foreign organizations are not eligible, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations cannot apply.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
The facts do not specifically address sole proprietors or single-member LLCs. Small businesses are eligible, so a single-member LLC that qualifies as a small business may be able to apply, but the notice does not confirm this directly.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are both listed as eligible applicants.

Summary

NIH BRAIN Initiative R18 grants to develop and validate novel CNS recording and modulation technologies (electrical, optical, magnetic, acoustic) from proof of concept to readiness for first-in-human studies. Eligible: universities, small and other for-profits, nonprofits, state/local/tribal governments, and others; no clinical trials.

About this grant

Awarded activities will facilitate the translation of novel recording and modulation technologies that can be used to treat and/or diagnose central nervous system (CNS) diseases and disorders and to better understand the human CNS, from proof of concept up to the stage of readiness for first in human (FIH) studies. Technologies may incorporate any signal modality (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, acoustic) or a combination thereof. Diverse team-based applications that integrate appropriate domains of expertise are encouraged.

Who can apply

Other Eligible Applicants include the following:

Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession; Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.

Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Health
  • Science
  • Technology

Program contact

National Institutes of Healthgrantsinfo@nih.gov301-402-2541

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