Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) (R21 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 researchers and research institutions interested in exploratory and developmental bioengineering research at the intersection of engineering and biological sciences. Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and other entities that can support bioengineering research. The grant targets early-stage, high-risk/high-reward research projects that are not yet ready for large-scale funding. Geographic scope is U.S.-based institutions and researchers. Supported activities include proof-of-concept studies, preliminary data generation, and novel bioengineering approaches that combine principles from engineering and life sciences. Clinical trials are not permitted under this funding mechanism.
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Program description
Through this engineering-oriented Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) intends to encourage submissions of exploratory/developmental Bioengineering Research Grant (EBRG) applications to demonstrate feasibility and potential utility of new capabilities or improvements in quality, speed, efficacy, operability, costs, and/or accessibility of solutions to problems in basic biomedical, pre-clinical, or clinical research, clinical care delivery, or accessibility.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NIH Form PHS 398 or SF-424 (R&R) application package
- Project narrative (research strategy, specific aims, significance, innovation, approach)
- Biosketch for principal investigator and key personnel
- Budget and budget justification
- Institutional support documentation and institutional assurance
- Letters of support from collaborators (if applicable)
- Biographical sketches and current/pending support information for all senior/key personnel
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.394 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$67,679,289
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$42,479,238
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$38,139,324
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$37,552,767
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$36,939,788
-
$35,037,695
-
$30,393,940
-
$30,179,102
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$18,390,244
-
$18,143,614
Top States by Funding
- PA 10 awards $135.7M
- WA 7 awards $122.3M
- CA 12 awards $108.0M
- TX 8 awards $92.9M
- OH 5 awards $73.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.394). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $540,918,671 | |
| 2025 | $602,293,691 | |
| 2026 est. | $716,748,079 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Universities, research institutions, hospitals, nonprofit research organizations, and other research entities with appropriate infrastructure and institutional support are eligible. The principal investigator must be qualified to conduct bioengineering research.
Is there a deadline for applications?
Yes, the fixed deadline is January 7, 2028. Applications open December 11, 2024. Check NIH's Grants.gov for any rolling submission dates or multiple deadlines.
What types of projects are supported?
Exploratory and developmental bioengineering research, including proof-of-concept studies, preliminary data collection, and innovative approaches combining engineering and biology. Clinical trials are not allowed under this R21 mechanism.
How competitive is this funding?
R21 mechanisms are moderately to highly competitive. Success requires a well-articulated research plan, clear innovation, and strong preliminary data demonstrating feasibility.
What is the typical funding range?
R21 awards typically range from $150,000 to $300,000 total costs over 2 years, though applicants should verify current funding information with NIH announcements.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize the novelty and innovation of your bioengineering approach; NIH particularly values high-risk/high-reward ideas with potential for significant impact.
- Include sufficient preliminary data to demonstrate feasibility and proof-of-concept, even though R21 is for exploratory work.
- Clearly articulate how your project bridges engineering and biological science disciplines and explain the potential clinical or translational relevance.
- Use a focused, realistic project timeline for the 2-year funding period and identify clear milestones and decision points.
- Address potential pitfalls early in your research plan and explain how you will manage technical risk.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applicants underestimate the preliminary data requirements for R21 grants; while exploratory, your proposal must still demonstrate feasibility and show why you need R21 funding to complete this phase. Another frequent issue is proposing research that is either too incremental (lacking sufficient innovation) or too broad/unfocused for a 2-year exploratory timeline. Clinical trial components (explicitly not allowed) or applications that fail to clearly articulate the bioengineering innovation are also commonly rejected.
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