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NIH Research Demonstration and Dissemination Project (R18)

NextTech: Translational Development of Next-Generation Diagnostic and Therapeutic Devices

Funds translating a diagnostic or therapeutic device to the point it is ready for its first human trial, under NIH's BRAIN and HEAL initiatives.

Between cyclesNational Institutes of HealthGlobal

A device that works on the bench often stalls before it ever reaches a person, not because the science is wrong but because nobody has cleared the practical hurdles — manufacturing, safety data, regulatory groundwork — that stand between a prototype and a first human trial. This notice funds clearing exactly those hurdles.

It sits under two NIH initiatives at once: BRAIN, for neurotechnology, and

Translational development of next-generation diagnostic or therapeutic devices under NIH's BRAIN (neurotechnology) and HEAL (pain and addiction) initiatives, covering technology development, optimisation and preparation for human-use approval, aimed at readiness for a first-in-human clinical trial. Early-stage proof-of-concept work is not the target; devices already past that stage are.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.18 Sept 2026
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.$6M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: RFA-EB-26-004Source: www.grants.gov