Bioengineering Research, Innovation and Technology Education (BRITE) Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions developing bioengineering education and training programs. Eligible applicants include colleges, universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with research capacity. Programs must focus on bioengineering workforce development, workforce training, or research innovation in biomedical fields. Clinical trials are not allowed under this funding mechanism. Activities must align with NIH mission in biomedical research and education.
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Key dates
- Sep 22, 2025 Applications open
- May 11, 2026 Application deadline
- Mar 1, 2027 Award announced
- Mar 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The Bioengineering Research, Innovation and Technology Education (BRITE) Program is designed to foster the development of undergraduate freshmen and sophomores to pursue further studies and careers in bioengineering, biomedical imaging or other STEM fields relevant to NIBIB’s scientific mission. Applications are encouraged to propose integrated educational activities that include three elements: 1) a summer bridge program for incoming freshmen, and 2) in the freshman and sophomore years, educational activities during the academic year, and 3) summer research experiences. The BRITE program is intended to expose students to bioengineering and biomedical imaging and provide research, innovation and entrepreneurship training early in their college careers by incorporating didactic, experiential, mentoring and career development opportunities.
Student participants will receive support for the first two years of their undergraduate training. To enhance capacity for rigorous bioengineering training, this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will support programs at baccalaureate degree granting institutions with modest levels of NIH research project grant funding.
The ultimate goal is for participants to pursue a doctoral degree or a subsequent research career in bioengineering, biomedical imaging or other NIBIB-relevant field that will in turn have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- R&R SF-424 (OMB Form)
- Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Institutional Supporting Documents
- Letters of Support/Commitment
- Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel
- Facilities and Resources documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Tina Gatlin, Ph.D.
- 📧 gatlincl@nih.gov
- 📞 240-731-3794
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.286 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$92,619,798
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$53,358,966
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$52,089,479
-
$30,836,373
-
$21,139,516
-
$20,828,185
-
$19,152,466
-
$18,841,297
-
$18,715,734
-
$18,062,337
Top States by Funding
- MA 18 awards $171.3M
- CA 15 awards $143.5M
- GA 2 awards $102.0M
- MD 7 awards $80.7M
- NY 5 awards $54.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.286). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $372,638,570 | |
| 2025 | $375,813,652 | |
| 2026 est. | $14,223,045 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the BRITE program?
Research institutions, colleges, universities, and nonprofits with established research programs. Must have institutional capacity to support bioengineering research and education.
What types of projects are funded?
Educational programs, workforce training, research capacity building in bioengineering. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this mechanism.
What is the typical funding range?
R25 mechanisms typically provide $75,000-$250,000 annually. Check the Notice of Funding Opportunity for exact ranges and duration.
How competitive is this grant?
NIH R25 programs are moderately competitive. Strong applications emphasize innovation in education and clear outcomes for workforce development.
When is the deadline?
Check the NFFO for specific deadline dates. Applications usually require 4-6 weeks of preparation time.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly define learning objectives and measurable outcomes for your educational program.
- Highlight institutional partnerships and resources supporting bioengineering education.
- Show evidence of faculty expertise and commitment to program management.
- Use preliminary data or letters of support to demonstrate feasibility and demand.
- Align your program with current bioengineering workforce needs and NIH priorities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing clinical trials when R25 explicitly excludes them. Vague learning objectives without measurable outcomes. Weak institutional commitment or insufficient dedicated faculty.
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