Forecast for Blueprint MedTech Translator (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional)

The Blueprint MedTech Translator grant is a forthcoming funding opportunity from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), anticipated to support translational and clinical research advancing medical device innovations targeting the nervous and neuromuscular systems. This initiative falls under the broader NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, a collaborative framework comprising twelve NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices that collectively fund neuroscience-related studies to expedite breakthroughs and alleviate the impact of neurological disorders. The Blueprint MedTech program specifically seeks to address common barriers faced by innovators in the development of novel neurotechnologies, offering both financial backing and strategic support. The expected funding opportunity announcement will employ the UG3/UH3 cooperative agreement mechanism, which supports milestone-driven projects transitioning from preclinical to clinical stages. The primary objective is to assist investigators in de-risking their technologies, enabling subsequent investments from private sector and public entities. This includes the provision of non-dilutive funding and critical support services designed to catalyze the translation of early-stage technologies toward first-in-human studies and eventual clinical implementation. The grant will support a wide range of medical device development activities, from proof-of-concept through to optimization for clinical trials. Devices may focus on prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of nervous system disorders. Applicants are encouraged to form robust collaborations or demonstrate existing partnerships with device manufacturers to strengthen their proposals. Those with deep domain knowledge in neurotechnology translation and early-phase clinical research are especially encouraged to prepare for this upcoming opportunity. Eligibility is broad, encompassing state governments, local public entities such as county governments and public housing authorities, tribal organizations (both federally recognized and other), academic institutions, small businesses, nonprofits, and private-sector entities, excluding large for-profit companies that are not small businesses. This diverse eligibility scope aims to promote inclusivity and innovation across sectors. At present, this is a forecasted opportunity and not yet open for applications. The estimated funding opportunity will be formally posted on July 21, 2025. The projected application due date is October 20, 2025, with awards anticipated to be announced by July 1, 2026, and project activities expected to commence on the same date. No cost-sharing or matching is required for this opportunity. Prospective applicants are encouraged to use this pre-announcement period to develop strategic collaborations and prepare robust project proposals. Interested parties may contact Nicholas Langhals, PhD, for further information at 301-435-0090 or via email at Blueprint-MedTech@nih.gov. Additional details will be made available through the NIH and Grants.gov platforms when the official Notice of Funding Opportunity is published.