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The BARDA Accelerator Network Hub for Medical Devices and Diagnostics

I-CREATE Accelerator + Funding Solicitation

Accelerating the Development of Medical Devices and Diagnostics

Are you working on groundbreaking diagnostics or medical device countermeasures that address public health? I-CREATE is part of a global network of accelerator hubs that provide product development funding, accelerator services, and access to expertise for innovators developing health security solutions.

Startups and university-backed projects worldwide can 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. I-CREATE supports the development and acceleration of novel diagnostics and medical devices to detect, prevent, or respond to medical consequences that result from health security threats.

Focus areas of interest include new and novel approaches for the detection and diagnosis of pathogens and consequences of biological threats in BARDA’s mission space. Examples of technologies we’re excited to fund:

  • Pathogen agnostic approaches

  • Lab at home

  • Rapid and accurate tests

  • Low-cost tests

  • Simple and user-friendly sampling approaches (i.e. breath)

  • More equitable and accessible innovations

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How to Apply

Preliminary Application

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

Invitation to Submit

Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals, including milestones and budgets by October 14, 2024

Notification of Acceptance

The first round of Awards will be announced by the end of December 2024.

Awards

Funding and program services begin in January 2025.

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Apply to the I-CREATE Program

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

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About this Funding Opportunity

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$50K to $200K in Funding

I-CREATE provides non-dilutive funding, through milestone-based awards from $50K to $200K, over the 6-month program period. Funds may be used for proof-of-concept and reaching other value inflection points.

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Technologies of Interest

- Pathogen agnostic approaches
- Lab at home
- Rapid and accurate tests
- Low-cost tests
- Simple and user-friendly sampling approaches (e.g. breath)
- More equitable and accessible innovations

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Wraparound Accelerator Services

I-CREATE supports health security innovators, startups, and portfolio companies by providing wraparound accelerator services including entrepreneurship education and access to technical and business/commercialization expertise and resources.

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Tailored Advisory, Consulting, and Mentorship

Selected companies will receive 1:1 support from subject matter experts in areas of regulatory, quality, clinical, commercialization, and fundraising while leveraging a vast network of investors, development partners, and verification and validation service providers.

Access to Scientific Infrastructure

Selected companies have the option to access University Lab Partner's $3M+ state-of-the-art scientific equipment and infrastructure to facilitate technology development, validation, and commercialization.

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Competition - Coming Soon

Additional funding & support opportunity coming soon!
The top contestant will win a grand prize of $50K. Five runners-up will receive an incredible package including tailored mentoring for success and access to our extensive network of mentors, collaborative learning, networking opportunities, and educational programming designed specifically for early-stage companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who's eligible?

  • Diagnostics and Medical Device platforms technologies aligned with BARDA’s mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and health security.

  • Seeking applicants from all over the world!

Foreign Owned Influence: the Awardee shall not have, and shall ensure that affiliates, Sub-awardees and DEV Project Sub-awardees do not have foreign investment capital/interests from USG prohibited sources list of embargoed and sanctioned countries, as defined by U.S. Departments of Treasury and Commerce.

What is I-CREATE looking for?

I-CREATE is seeking proposals for the development of innovative diagnostic and medical device innovations, in alignment with BARDA’s mission to promote health security. Innovators are invited to submit proposals for funding to allow:

  • Demonstration of proof-of-concept for a BARDA-relevant use case for an existing platform technology.
  • Demonstration of proof-of-concept for “high-risk” breakthrough technologies.
  • Advancement of technologies currently in development to the next value inflection point.
What is the application and program timeline?

Submit your applications by August 23 to be considered for the first cohort of I-CREATE. Applications will remain open for future cohorts.

To view a Word Document of the application click here.

First Cohort Timeline

  • Notification and invitation to submit funding proposals: Monday, September 30, 2024
  • Funding proposal submission period: September 30 – October 14, 2024
  • Virtual interviews and/or supplemental questions: October 14 – November 5, 2024
  • Final I-CREATE Cohort Selection + Onboarding: Dec 2024
Are there any applicant resources?
Technology readiness level guidelines
Gantt template
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Q&A Webinar FAQ