The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through multiple institutes including NIMHD, NIBIB, NIDCR, NINDS, NINR, and NCATS, invites applications from eligible U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) for its STTR Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track funding initiative. This grant opportunity, titled “Technologies for Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities,” seeks to support the development of innovative, culturally attuned, and affordable products, processes, or services that target the improvement of minority health and the elimination of health disparities. Technologies should be tailored to populations defined by NIH as experiencing health disparities, including racial/ethnic minorities and underserved rural communities.
The initiative focuses on empowering individuals and communities, along with clinicians and health institutions serving these populations, through commercializable innovations. These innovations may include mHealth tools, telemedicine systems, culturally competent health education materials, data science tools integrating social determinants of health, and precision medicine platforms. Applicants are encouraged to align with the NIMHD Research Framework, which addresses the multi-level socioecological determinants influencing health outcomes.
Projects should demonstrate efficacy, affordability, accessibility, and cultural acceptability. Eligible expenses may include technology development, research, and early-stage commercialization efforts. While clinical trials are optional and supported selectively depending on the participating institute’s scope, pivotal trials are generally not allowed under this mechanism.
Applications are due semiannually with deadlines in June and December through 2026, and applicants are encouraged to submit letters of intent 30 days prior. Submission must be done through Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST, or approved institutional systems. Applications that do not address minority health or health disparities directly will be deemed non-responsive. Award decisions follow a review process including scientific merit evaluation and advisory council review, with earliest award starts typically three to four months post-council review.
The project period for Phase I may not exceed one year, while Phase II projects may last up to two years. Phase I budgets are capped at $306,872 and Phase II at $2,045,816, though exceptions may be granted for topics approved under SBA waivers. Approximately 7–9 awards are anticipated across participating institutes, with varying fund allocation levels. Contact Dr. Yujing Liu at liuyujin@mail.nih.gov or 301-402-1366 for additional program information. The current NOFO expires on November 17, 2025.
