SPARK DEV Funding Opportunity 2024
Request for proposal
SPARK Development, Evaluation, Validation (DEV) Funding Opportunity
Background
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) supports the development of medical countermeasures (MCMs)—technologies and products to prevent, prepare for, and respond to health security threats including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. Classes of technologies and products to counter such health security threats include vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, devices, digital health tools, and enabling technologies. Developing and ensuring access to medical countermeasures for pediatric populations is a part of BARDA’s Mission and Strategic Plan to protect all members of our communities against an evolving threat landscape and to ensure that BARDA’s response accounts for all needs of all segments of the population.
About the Challenge
Are you an academic innovator or company developing a groundbreaking technology that can enhance health security for pediatric populations? The SPARK Hub DEV Funding Opportunity supports the development, evaluation, or validation of innovative solutions to enhance pandemic preparedness and health security with non-dilutive funding awards ranging from $50k to $200k. Proposals will be primarily evaluated based on alignment with BARDA’s mission, the innovativeness of the technology, and the strength of the proposed use of funds.
Diagnostics
- Kid-friendly sample collection approaches
- At-home diagnostic technologies focused on pediatric populations
- Technologies to distinguish viral vs. bacterial infections in children
- Therapeutics and vaccines for health security threats for which approved products do not exist for pediatric populations
- Kid-friendly vaccine and drug delivery approaches
- New devices or modifications to approved adult devices for pediatric use
- Models to predict recommended drug dosages or outcomes for pediatric populations during a public health emergency
- In support of the development of pediatric products in any of the above technology areas
Key Dates
Release date – November 25, 2024
Funding opportunity webinar – December 6, 2024
Submission deadline – 11:59pm EST on January 6, 2025
Finalists selected for deep dive review – February 10, 2025
Winners announced – March 10, 2025