NextTech: Translational Development of Next-Generation Diagnostic and Therapeutic Devices (R18 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions developing next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices. Eligible applicants include academic medical centers, research universities, hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations with established translational research capabilities. The grant supports moving promising medical device technologies from lab development toward clinical readiness, excluding clinical trials. Projects must demonstrate scientific merit and clear pathway toward commercialization or clinical adoption.
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Key dates
- Feb 27, 2026 Applications open
- Sep 18, 2026 Application deadline in 63 days
- Jun 18, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 18, 2027 Project start
Program description
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to encourage applications from investigators to advance the development and translation of next-generation technologies to prevent, monitor, diagnose, and treat disorders within the missions of the NIH Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) and The Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiatives. Awarded activities will facilitate the translation of new devices up to the stage of readiness for first in human (FIH) clinical trials by overcoming key challenges identified during preliminary proof-of-concept studies. The scope of the program includes technology development and optimization, and studies to prepare for approvals for human use.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Hospital
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&D) Federal application form
- Project Narrative and Specific Aims
- Research Strategy (Methods section)
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Biographical Sketches (Key Personnel)
- Institutional Endorsement Letter
- Preliminary Data supporting device concept
Program contact
- 👤 NIBIB Program Officers for RFA-EB-26-004
- 📧 NIBIB_Devices@NIH.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
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
-
$53,358,966
-
$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
Can clinical trials be included in this project?
No. This R18 mechanism explicitly excludes clinical trial activities from funding.
What types of institutions can apply?
Academic medical centers, research universities, hospitals, and 501(c)(3) research organizations are eligible if they have research infrastructure.
What stage of device development does this fund?
Translational work moving devices from bench research toward clinical readiness, including prototype development and feasibility work.
How competitive is this funding?
NIH grants are typically highly competitive. Strong preliminary data and a clear commercialization pathway improve your chances.
What is the typical funding range?
R18 mechanisms vary widely. Check the specific Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for budget limits and timeline.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Have preliminary data showing the device concept works and addresses a real clinical need.
- Clearly explain the path to commercialization or adoption once development is complete.
- Include experienced team members with translational research and device development backgrounds.
- Align your technology with NIH priorities and unmet clinical needs in your disease area.
- Check the specific FOA carefully for budget caps, eligibility requirements, and review criteria.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear preliminary data proving device feasibility. Proposals don't explain realistic commercialization or adoption pathway post-funding. Teams missing members with translational research or device development experience.
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