Blueprint MedTech

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Image of a human profile, comprised of blue lines and triangles with an overlay of a gear where a brain would be located.

Innovators developing groundbreaking medical device technologies face a number of challenges along the translational path from bench to bedside. The Blueprint MedTech program is an NIH incubator that aims to address such challenges and support the innovators by accelerating the development of cutting-edge medical devices to diagnose and/or treat disorders of the nervous system. The mission of the program is to catalyze the translation of novel technologies from early-stage development to readiness for first-in-human clinical studies. The program will provide: (a) non-dilutive funds to support medical device development activities led by investigators, and (b) additional resources and support services including, but not limited to:

  • Planning resources to support concept development, team building, needs assessment, and other early translational activities.
  • Streamlined access to translational services and expertise (e.g., design and prototyping, bench testing, large animal testing, biocompatibility assessment, manufacturing, medical monitoring).
  • Assistance from consultants (e.g., on regulatory, reimbursement, intellectual property, commercialization, and strategic partnership issues).
  • Advice from industry experts (e.g., meetings with an external oversight committee).

The overarching goal of the Blueprint MedTech program is to accelerate patient access to groundbreaking, safe, and effective medical devices. The program will provide support to sufficiently develop and de-risk technologies to the point where additional investments are warranted from industry partners, investors, and government.

See the announcement of the first Blueprint MedTech Awards in this NIBIB Science Highlight and in the Blueprint MedTech Awards item in the menu at left.

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Image showing Blueprint MedTech Applicant Journey Map
Blueprint MedTech Applicant Journey Map

The Blueprint MedTech Program is structured in two main components: 1) Blueprint MedTech Incubator, and 2) Blueprint MedTech Translator, described as following:

1. Blueprint MedTech Incubator:

Two Incubator Hubs for Blueprint MedTech have launched a funding opportunity on behalf of the NIH program. This program will catalyze the translation of novel technologies from early-stage development up to readiness for first-in-human clinical studies. Funding for late-stage development as Optimizer projects would cover up to $500,000 in direct costs per year for up to four years; Seedling awards provide support for six months, a $25,000 stipend, and $25,000 to hire subject matter experts. For these, mentors will work with awardees to help resolve specifically identified gap(s) on the path to commercialization.

In addition to funding, the selected teams will receive ongoing, specialized support from mentors experienced in commercializing neurotech devices. The program seeks to increase the participation of applicants from underrepresented minorities and groups including women, Blacks, Latinx, and other communities of color.

The next round of solicitations for pre-proposal applications is now open! - see Blueprint MedTech Incubator Hubs for how to apply. Following review of the pre-proposals, a subset of applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.

We recommend applicants first look at NIH Institute/Center specific interests to align their application with NIH's interests.

For more information, read this science highlight article and visit the solicitation webpage

2. Blueprint MedTech Translator:

The purpose of these Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) is to encourage investigators (UG3/UH3 mechanism) and Small Business Concerns (SBCs) (U44 mechanism) to pursue translational activities and clinical feasibility studies to advance the development of therapeutic and diagnostic devices for disorders that affect the nervous or neuromuscular systems.

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BP MedTech Program Structure

 

See the announcement of the first Blueprint MedTech Awards in this NIBIB Science Highlight

View all other Blueprint MedTech funding opportunities.

 Blueprint MedTech Resources

Blueprint MedTech Staff