The National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) Office of Strategic Extramural Programs (OSEP) announces the 2025 NIA Start-Up Challenge and Accelerator, in partnership with the NIA Office of Special Populations (OSP). The goal of this Challenge, the third of its kind offered by NIA, is to stimulate innovation and foster diversity in aging research and development by awarding cash prizes and non-cash prizes, such as coaching, mentorship, and strategic resources and opportunities provided through an accelerator program, that will help participants overcome barriers to participating in life science entrepreneurship. The Challenge also aims to enhance equity in the NIA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program as a means of furthering the Congressional goal of the SBIR/STTR program to foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and socially or economically disadvantaged persons.
Unique and valuable contributions in the research and development of life science innovations that prevent disease, prolong life, and promote health can be made by individuals from a variety of different backgrounds. However, certain groups remain underrepresented in U.S. biomedical sciences and life sciences entrepreneurship [1]. Women represent just 12% of U.S. innovators [2]. An external analysis conducted in 2022 of NIH SBIR/STTR grants found persistently low levels of program participation from underrepresented groups [3]. Unique barriers facing underrepresented groups in life sciences entrepreneurship include a lack of access to funding, entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and connections within key industry networks [4].
This Challenge invites submissions from researchers and entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas for science-driven technologies and products that have the potential to increase the impact and reach of NIA-funded small business research and development, and who would substantially benefit from intensive entrepreneurial training and resources.
Proposals may demonstrate a potential to increase the impact and reach of NIA-funded small business research and development by addressing an underfunded area of research and development relevant to the NIA small business research priorities, by addressing a unique need of older adults from minority and/or medically underserved areas/populations (as defined by HRSA), or by being led by an individual or team of individuals who possess a background or unique life experience that can bring a diverse perspective to aging-related research and development.
Proposals may demonstrate the potential to substantially benefit from intensive entrepreneurial training and resources by describing the submitters’ scientific, technical, or professional background as it relates to the proposed idea, and how personal/professional adversity or a lack of experience, resources, and/or technical skills impede or limit the submitter’s opportunities to accelerate the idea. NIA strongly encourages submissions from researchers and entrepreneurs from groups underrepresented in the U.S. biomedical sciences and in life science entrepreneurship (NOT-OD-20-031) and individuals partnering with resource-limited institutions (NOT-OD-23-179). Please note that the race, ethnicity, or sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, or transgender status) of the submitter(s) will not be considered in the submission review process, judging process, or when making funding decisions.
NIA has a special interest in ideas for tools, technologies, and products aimed to improve the health and quality of life of older adults in minority and underserved populations, as outlined in the NIA Health Disparities Objectives. Submissions that are addressing health disparities should reference the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework to facilitate identifying and proposing tools, technologies, and products that reflect the life course perspective or theory, as well as relevant levels of analysis among the different domains described in the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework.
Applications are due on December 9. 2024.