OpenFederal grantOpen to for-profit businessesPAR-27-032

Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI)

National Institutes of HealthCloses Feb 6, 2029(847 days left)

Does this fit your business?

This is an NIH/NIGMS research grant for Early Stage Investigators building independent research careers in areas aligned with the NIGMS mission, not a general small-business funding program. It funds research, R&D, and operating support for that research program. If your business has no research program or an ESI leading it, do not bother applying.

Best for
Early Stage Investigators running a research program aligned with the NIGMS mission, Universities and other higher-education institutions sponsoring ESI research, Nonprofits with research programs in the NIGMS mission areas, Small businesses and for-profits with an ESI-led research program
Not for
Businesses with no research or R&D activity, Foreign institutions and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations, Organizations outside the NIGMS research mission, such as retail, finance, or housing
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Technology & SoftwareMatches your industry (tech)
83
Strong Match
Environment & ConservationMatches your industry (environment)
75
Strong Match
Healthcare & BiotechCurrently accepting applications
72
Good Match
Arts & CultureMatches your industry (creative)
68
Good Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Education & TrainingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to education & training
54
Possible Match
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Nothing in this notice points to energy & clean tech
54
Possible Match
Finance & BankingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to finance & banking
54
Possible Match
Food & BeverageLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Nothing in this notice points to housing & real estate
54
Possible Match
ManufacturingLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Nothing in this notice points to retail & e-commerce
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

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

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is February 6, 2029. The notice was posted on May 11, 2026.
Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include county, city, state, and tribal governments, public and private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, special district governments, public housing authorities, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, and other for-profit organizations. Foreign institutions and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
The facts do not say. Small businesses are listed as eligible, but the notice does not specify whether sole proprietors or single-member LLCs qualify, so check the NOFO's eligibility section.
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 listed as eligible applicants.

Summary

NIH/NIGMS MIRA grants fund Early Stage Investigators' research programs aligned with the NIGMS mission, supporting independent research careers, ambitious projects, new techniques, and trainee mentoring. Eligible applicants include universities, nonprofits, small businesses, for-profits, and governments; foreign entities are excluded.

About this grant

The Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) provides support for ESIs with a program of research that aligns with the NIGMS mission.MIRA distributes funding among promising investigators across the country. The goal is to boost scientific productivity and the chances for important breakthroughs.Through this program, investigators can:Receive independent research funding early to start and sustain strong research careers.Explore new, unique research areas in the NIGMS mission.Take on ambitious, creative projects.Shift focus to include emerging techniques and technologies as needed.Devote more time to mentoring trainees in a stable research environment.

Who can apply

Refer to the Eligibility section in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign institutions: Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.These types of organizations are not eligible to apply: Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions), Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. organizations.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Science
  • Health
  • Research

Program contact

National Institutes of HealthNIGMS-ESIMIRA@nigms.nih.gov301-402-2541

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