Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 515
The grant opportunity titled "BRAIN Initiative: Development, Optimization, and Validation of Novel Tools and Technologies for Neuroscience Research (STTR) (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding announcement designed to push forward practical, high-impact technology development for neuroscience. It sits under the BRAIN Initiative umbrella and uses the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) mechanism, meaning it is aimed at small businesses that are working in formal partnership with a nonprofit research institution. The central goal is to move promising neuroscience tools from early-stage concepts into well-tested, usable, and ultimately market-ready products that researchers can adopt in routine practice.
This FOA emphasizes novel neurotechnologies and the translation of tools that may have originated in the BRAIN Initiative or in other research programs. In other words, applicants are not limited to brand-new inventions; they can also propose the next steps needed to turn an existing prototype or earlier research output into something that is robust, validated, and ready to be broadly disseminated. The announcement highlights development, optimization, and validation, signaling that NIH is looking for projects that do more than demonstrate feasibility. Competitive projects would typically involve iterative engineering improvements, careful performance testing, and clear evidence that the technology solves real problems for neuroscience users.
A key theme is active refinement with the end-user community. The FOA is structured to support the kind of feedback loop that often determines whether a tool succeeds in real-world research environments: improving usability, reliability, reproducibility, and fit with how labs actually operate. The end goal is not just a working device or software package in a single setting, but a tool that can be manufactured and supported at scale, with consistent quality, so it can be sustained and widely adopted across the neuroscience field. This focus on scaling manufacturing and dissemination points to an expectation of commercialization planning, including considerations like production workflows, quality control, documentation, and pathways for distribution and support.
The funding mechanism is STTR with R41/R42 phases, which generally aligns with a phased innovation model: an early phase for proving feasibility and refining the technical approach, followed by a later phase for more advanced development, rigorous validation, and steps toward commercialization. The FOA explicitly states "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," which means proposed work cannot be structured as a clinical trial as defined by NIH. Projects can still be highly biomedical and human-relevant, but they must avoid clinical trial designs and endpoints; the emphasis is on tool and technology development for research rather than testing clinical interventions.
Eligibility is centered on small businesses. Foreign (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply, and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible. However, foreign components may be allowable in limited cases as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, which typically means certain discrete elements of work could occur outside the U.S. if they are strongly justified and meet NIH policy requirements. Applicants would need to consult the full funding opportunity text for the exact boundaries of what is permitted, since NIH is specific about when and how foreign components can be included.
Administratively, this is a discretionary grant opportunity from NIH, with the opportunity number PAR 18 515. It is associated with several CFDA numbers (93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865), reflecting that multiple NIH institutes or program areas may participate in supporting awards under the BRAIN-related tool development umbrella. The source information lists an original closing date of 2018-07-24 and a creation date of 2017-12-15. No award ceiling or expected number of awards is specified in the provided text, so those details would need to be confirmed in the full announcement or related NIH budget guidance.
Overall, this FOA targets projects that build or mature neuroscience research tools into reliable products, with strong attention to real user needs and a credible path to commercialization and broad dissemination. It is meant for small businesses working collaboratively with research partners to deliver technologies that can become standard, sustainable parts of the neuroscience research toolkit.Apply for PAR 18 515
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BRAIN Initiative: Development, Optimization, and Validation of Novel Tools and Technologies for Neuroscience Research (STTR) (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-12-15.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-07-24. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Small businesses.
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FAQs: BRAIN Initiative Neurotechnology Tools and Technologies (STTR) (R41/R42, Clinical Trial Not Allowed) - PAR 18 515
What is the purpose of this grant opportunity?
This NIH funding announcement supports the development, optimization, and validation of practical, high-impact tools and technologies for neuroscience research under the BRAIN Initiative. The goal is to move promising neurotechnology from early concepts or prototypes into well-tested, usable products that researchers can adopt routinely, with a credible path to broad dissemination and commercialization.
Which funding mechanism does this opportunity use?
The opportunity uses the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) mechanism with R41/R42 phases. This structure is intended for small businesses working in a formal partnership with a nonprofit research institution, using a phased approach from feasibility and early refinement (R41) to more advanced development, validation, and steps toward commercialization (R42).
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is centered on U.S. small businesses applying through the STTR mechanism. The small business must be working in formal partnership with a nonprofit research institution as required by STTR.
Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible to apply?
No. Foreign (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply for this opportunity.
Are non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations allowed?
No. Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible under the information provided.
Can any part of the project be done outside the United States?
Foreign components may be allowable only in limited cases as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, typically for discrete elements of work that are strongly justified and meet NIH policy requirements. Applicants would need to confirm the specific boundaries in the full funding opportunity text and relevant NIH policy.
What kinds of projects are NIH looking for under this FOA?
The FOA emphasizes novel neurotechnologies and translation of neuroscience tools into robust, validated products. Competitive projects generally go beyond a basic feasibility demonstration and include iterative engineering improvements, careful performance testing, and clear evidence the technology addresses real neuroscience research needs.
Do projects have to be completely new inventions?
No. Applicants are not limited to brand-new inventions. The FOA also supports the next steps needed to turn an existing prototype or prior research output (including work originating in BRAIN or other programs) into a robust, validated, and broadly usable tool.
What does "development, optimization, and validation" mean in practice?
It signals an expectation that projects will refine and strengthen a tool so it performs reliably and reproducibly, and that performance will be tested carefully. The emphasis is on building a technology that works in real research settings, not just in a single proof-of-concept demonstration.
How important is end-user feedback in this FOA?
End-user engagement is a key theme. The FOA is designed to support active refinement with the end-user community, including improving usability, reliability, reproducibility, and how well the tool fits into real laboratory workflows.
What is the ultimate end goal NIH is aiming for?
The end goal is a technology that can be widely adopted across neuroscience research: a tool that is robust, validated, usable in routine practice, and capable of being manufactured and supported at scale with consistent quality and sustainability.
Does this FOA expect commercialization planning?
Yes. The focus on scaling manufacturing and dissemination indicates an expectation of commercialization planning, such as production workflows, quality control, documentation, and pathways for distribution and ongoing support.
Are clinical trials allowed under this funding announcement?
No. The FOA explicitly states "Clinical Trial Not Allowed." Proposed work cannot be structured as a clinical trial as defined by NIH.
If clinical trials are not allowed, can projects still involve human-relevant or biomedical research?
Yes. Projects can be highly biomedical and human-relevant, but they must avoid clinical trial designs and endpoints. The emphasis is on research tool and technology development rather than testing clinical interventions.
What do the R41 and R42 phases generally represent?
They generally align with a phased innovation model: an earlier phase (R41) focused on feasibility and refining the technical approach, followed by a later phase (R42) focused on more advanced development, rigorous validation, and steps toward commercialization and dissemination.
What is the opportunity number for this FOA?
The opportunity number provided is PAR 18 515.
Which agency is offering this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the BRAIN Initiative.
What CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?
The source information lists these CFDA numbers: 93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.853, and 93.865. This suggests multiple NIH institutes or program areas may participate in supporting awards under this BRAIN-related tool development umbrella.
Is the award amount (ceiling) or the expected number of awards provided?
No. The provided information does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards. Those details would need to be confirmed in the full funding announcement or related NIH budget guidance.
What dates are provided for this opportunity?
The source information lists a creation date of 2017-12-15 and an original closing date of 2018-07-24.
What makes an application more competitive based on the description provided?
Based on the description, more competitive projects typically show: (1) iterative engineering improvements rather than one-time feasibility; (2) careful, credible performance testing and validation; (3) clear alignment with real neuroscience user needs and workflows; (4) attention to usability, reliability, and reproducibility; and (5) a credible plan for scaling, manufacturing, dissemination, and support as a sustainable product.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| BRAIN Initiative: Biology and Biophysics of Neural Stimulation (R01 - Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for RFA NS 18 018 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 018 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Targeted BRAIN Circuits Planning Projects TargetedBCPP (R34 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 014 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 014 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: Development, Optimization, and Validation of Novel Tools and Technologies for Neuroscience Research (SBIR)(R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 501 Funding Number: PAR 18 501 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (U44) - Clinical Trial Optional Apply for PAR 18 541 Funding Number: PAR 18 541 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Next-Generation Invasive Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human Central Nervous System (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA NS 18 021 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 021 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Next-Generation Invasive Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human Central Nervous System (U44 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA NS 18 022 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 022 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Clinical Studies to Advance Next-Generation Invasive Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human Central Nervous System (UH3 - Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA NS 18 023 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development of Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3) - Clinical Trial Optional Apply for PAR 18 546 Funding Number: PAR 18 546 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PHS 2018-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC, and FDA for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 18 573 Funding Number: PA 18 573 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PHS 2018-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC, and FDA for Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Applications (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 18 576 Funding Number: PA 18 576 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: New Concepts and Early - Stage Research for Large - Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R21) (Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA EY 18 001 Funding Number: RFA EY 18 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: New Technologies and Novel Approaches for Large-Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 020 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 020 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Optimization of Transformative Technologies for Large Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (U01-Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 019 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 019 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Reducing Stigma to Improve HIV/AIDS Prevention, Treatment and Care in Low and Middle- Income Countries (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 732 Funding Number: PAR 18 732 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Addressing the Challenges of the Opioid Epidemic in Minority Health and Health Disparities Research in the U.S. (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 745 Funding Number: PAR 18 745 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Addressing the Challenges of the Opioid Epidemic in Minority Health and Health Disparities Research in the U.S. (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 747 Funding Number: PAR 18 747 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Targeted BRAIN Circuits Projects- TargetedBCP (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 030 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 030 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Development and Validation of Novel Tools to Probe Cell-Specific and Circuit-Specific Processes in the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 19 136 Funding Number: RFA MH 19 136 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 814 Funding Number: PAR 18 814 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 18 813 Funding Number: PAR 18 813 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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