Miniaturization and Automation of Tissue Chip Systems (MATChS) (UT1/UT2 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) invites applications under its "Miniaturization and Automation of Tissue Chip Systems" (MATChS) program. This funding opportunity, facilitated through Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Cooperative Agreements (UT1 and UT2 phases), aims to support U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) in advancing tissue chip systems toward automation and miniaturization to streamline biomedical research and drug development applications. The program offers two phases: Phase I (UT1) for developing system components and Phase II (UT2) for full system integration, focusing on creating compact, user-friendly, and automated microphysiological systems (MPS) to replicate human tissue functions. Applications must target innovative automation solutions for MPS, encompassing real-time biosensing, streamlined data acquisition, flow control, and in-line sensors to monitor cell health. This includes development of bench-top, portable systems capable of sustaining 3D tissue structures with minimal intervention, tailored for efficient operation and wide-scale adoption in research and clinical settings. Drawing from NASA collaborations on the "Tissue Chips in Space" initiative, this program emphasizes technology readiness for practical, widespread application on Earth, with an eventual aim for commercial scalability. Eligible applicants are limited to U.S. SBCs, including those majority-owned by U.S. citizens, residents, or eligible Native organizations. Specific guidelines outline the roles and responsibilities of collaborating entities within joint ventures. Applicants must ensure compliance with multiple federal registration requirements, including SAM, UEI, SBA Company Registry, and eRA Commons, before application submission. Additionally, benchmarks for Phase I to Phase II transitions and commercialization rates must be met for eligibility, especially for applicants with extensive prior awards in Phase I or II. Funding levels include up to $350,000 annually for Phase I projects and up to $2.15 million annually for Phase II projects, with anticipated award durations of 1 year for Phase I and 2 years for Phase II. Applications are expected to include a detailed Milestone Plan, with specific goals, criteria for assessment, and Gantt Chart timelines. Progress during each phase will determine continuation and Phase II eligibility, where final approvals hinge on successful milestone completion, a commercialization plan, and an updated Phase I progress report. Applications not aligned with automation and miniaturization goals or focused solely on healthy or diseased MPS will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit letters of intent by January 22, 2024, for planning purposes, although they are not mandatory. Final applications are due by 5:00 PM local time on February 22, 2024, with additional deadlines set for subsequent years.