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NIBIB Trailblazer R21 Awards

NIBIB Trailblazer R21

Funds exploratory biomedical engineering research led by emerging investigators through United States health innovation support.

PausedNational Institute of Biomedical Imaging and BioengineeringUnited StatesDeep-tech · core fit

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The NIBIB Trailblazer Award (PA-25-169, R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a dedicated funding mechanism from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) that supports New Investigators and Early Stage Investigators pursuing high-risk, high-reward research at the interface of life sciences, engineering, and physical sciences. NIBIB's mission — to transform understanding…

Research at the interface of life sciences with engineering and physical sciences; exploratory, developmental, proof-of-concept, or high-risk/high-impact projects. Minimal or no preliminary data expected.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.36 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 29 Jun 2026Source: www.nibib.nih.gov