I-CREATE | BARDA Accelerator Network Hub

The BARDA Accelerator Network Hub
for Medical Devices and Diagnostics

Uniting Together for a Safer, Healthier Future

Accelerating the Development of Medical Devices and Diagnostics

This joint initiative was created between University Lab Partners and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The International Consortium for Research, Engineering, Acceleration of Technology Excellence (I-CREATE) is designed to support startups in developing innovative diagnostic technology and medical devices to enhance the nation's readiness for public health emergencies.

ULP is partnering with the Consortium for Improving Medicine with Innovation & Technology (CIMIT) at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and Science Exchange to establish the International Consortium for Research, Engineering, Acceleration of Technology Excellence (I-CREATE). This hub will focus on developing diagnostics and devices to detect, prevent, or respond to medical consequences that result from health security threats.

I-CREATE Funding Solicitation

We invite startups and university-backed projects to apply for non-dilutive funding ranging from $50K to $200K. This funding supports the development, evaluation, or validation of innovative solutions aligned with BARDA’s mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and health security.

Applications for the first cohort are closed. However, the application is still open for consideration for the next cohort in early 2025.

I-CREATE Accelerator + Prize Challenge

This 6-month program will include monthly, interactive seminars covering the activities and steps to take your innovation from ideation to market launch. I-CREATE will select six teams to receive wrap-around accelerator support services. After completing the Accelerator program, each team will participate in a virtual showcase with opportunity to win a cash prize of up to $50,000 USD.

Start-ups and university-backed projects alike are welcome to apply!

I-CREATE Accelerator Benefits

I-CREATE strives to fulfill the following objectives

Wraparound Accelerator Services

Support health security innovators/startups and BARDA-funded partners by providing services including entrepreneurship education.

Access to Scientific Infrastructure

Access to $3M+ state-of-the-art scientific equipment and infrastructure to facilitate technology development, validation, and commercialization.

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Development, Evaluation and Validation (DEV) Services

Capabilities to review, fund, and accelerate startups and perform product development, evaluation, and validation of medical countermeasures (MCMs).

Increase Early-Stage Capital Access

Increase early-stage capital access to fund and accelerate product development of MCMs.

Tailored Advisory, Consulting, and Mentorship

Access to technical, business, and commercialization expertise and resources.

Rapid Response Capability

Build a rapid emergency response infrastructure to fund and accelerate product development and validation of MCMs that can be developed and deployed quickly in the event of a public health emergency.

The Barda Accelerator Network

In Partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)

The BARDA Accelerator Network aims to provide comprehensive support to health security innovators, startups, and BARDA portfolio companies through wrap-around accelerator services, technical and business/commercialization expertise, and resources. The network will facilitate the rapid development, evaluation, validation, and commercialization of medical countermeasures.

Uniting Together for a Safer, Healthier Future

Accelerating the Development of Medical Devices and Diagnostics

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