BARDA Accelerator Network (BAN)

BARDA Accelerator Network — POC Funding

Funds proof-of-concept medical countermeasure projects across diagnostics, digital health, and therapeutic platforms.

The BARDA Accelerator Network comprises five sector-specific hubs that collectively offer proof-of-concept funding of $50,000 to $200,000 per project, reviewed on an ongoing basis. The five hubs are I-CREATE (diagnostics and medical devices), Paratus (digital health security, 4-week projects), BioTools VANGUARD (drug discovery and biomanufacturing tools, up to 6 months), SPARK (pediatric medical countermeasures, up to 6 months), and VITAL (therapeutic and vaccine platforms, up to 6 months). Funding is milestone-based, meaning disbursements are tied to achieving specific technical deliverables rather than delivered as a lump sum at award.

All five hubs accept applications from for-profit companies, nonprofits, universities, and research organizations operating in the United States; individual applicants are not eligible. Award amounts span $50,000 to $200,000 depending on the hub and project scope, with performance periods ranging from four weeks for the Paratus digital health hub to six months for BioTools, SPARK, and VITAL. As of late 2025, the cohort-based mentorship and education programs offered by the hubs were paused — but the direct proof-of-concept funding track remained open for ongoing review submissions. The general program contact is barda_accelerators@hhs.gov.

Applicants should approach the relevant hub directly rather than submitting centrally to BARDA, as each hub manages its own intake and review process. The milestone-driven payment structure means organizations should prepare a clear technical roadmap before applying. Teams working on pediatric MCMs, novel diagnostics, or biomanufacturing tools with demonstrated early-stage data are most aligned with the program's current priorities. The short project windows — particularly Paratus's four-week format — make this accessible to companies seeking rapid, structured engagement with BARDA's development ecosystem.