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NIH Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R61)

Translational Neural Devices

Funds a therapeutic or diagnostic device for the nervous system through prototyping, safety testing, regulatory clearance and a first small clinical study.

This is the rare federal award that funds the whole awkward middle of medical device development, including the regulatory step most research grants pretend does not exist.

The devices are therapeutic and diagnostic, for disorders affecting the nervous or neuromuscular systems.

The activities listed are the real work of getting a device to a patient. Building a clinical prototype. Non-clinical s

Translational development and small clinical studies of therapeutic and diagnostic devices for nervous and neuromuscular system disorders, covering clinical prototype implementation, non-clinical safety and efficacy testing, design verification and validation, Investigational Device Exemption or ethics board approval, and a subsequent small clinical study answering questions bench and animal work cannot. Milestone-driven with programme staff participation.

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.28 Jan 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
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.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAR-25-053Source: www.grants.gov