The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, with participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications pursuing translational activities and clinical studies to advance the development of cutting-edge medical devices to prevent, monitor, diagnose, and treat disorders of the nervous or neuromuscular systems. The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research is a collaborative framework through which 12 NIH Institutes, Centers and Offices jointly support neuroscience-related research, with the aim of accelerating discoveries and reducing the burden of nervous system disorders (for further information, see http://neuroscienceblueprint.nih.gov/).Innovators developing groundbreaking medical device technologies face several challenges along the translational path from bench to bedside. The Blueprint MedTech program aims to address such challenges and support the innovators by accelerating the development of cutting-edge medical devices to prevent, monitor, diagnose, and treat disorders of the nervous system. The mission of the program is to catalyze the translation of novel technologies from early-stage development towards 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. 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.Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the UG3/UH3 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of late-stage technology development/optimization and first-in-human clinical studies are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, individuals, institutions, or businesses developing their own devices or that already have established collaborations with device manufacturers will be encouraged and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application. 

Government

• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• County governments
• Public and Indian housing authorities
• State governments

Nonprofit

• Other Native American tribal organizations
• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)

Business

• Small businesses
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses

Education

• Independent school districts
• Public and state institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education