The Flinn Foundation's Seed Grants to Promote Translational Research Program aligns with the foundation's mission to advance bioscience and health in Arizona by fostering innovative solutions to critical clinical needs. This grant initiative specifically targets research teams comprising scientists and clinicians affiliated with Arizona-based research institutions and healthcare systems. The program's core objective is to bridge the gap between bench research and viable products or services, ultimately benefiting patients in Arizona and beyond by accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into practical healthcare applications.
The program prioritizes well-defined and compelling clinical needs within precision medicine, diagnostics, devices, therapeutics, and healthcare delivery processes. Successful projects are expected to demonstrate significant potential for commercialization and real-world impact. The foundation seeks to support teams with a diverse skill set, encompassing scientific, clinical, engineering, business, and regulatory expertise, to ensure comprehensive project development and successful translation.
Expected outcomes include the development of innovative products or processes that address unmet clinical needs. Measurable results include the number of research teams funded, the progress of these teams in product development and commercialization, and ultimately, the successful licensing or ownership of project intellectual property. The program also aims to enhance the skillsets of participating teams through workshops and expert connections, fostering a stronger bioscience ecosystem in Arizona.
The Flinn Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to translational research and its focus on creating tangible benefits for patients. By funding approximately 10 research teams annually with initial $100,000 grants over 18 months, and offering additional funding for the most successful projects, the foundation employs a theory of change that emphasizes seed funding, mentorship, and connections as catalysts for product development and commercialization. This approach aims to cultivate a robust pipeline of innovative healthcare solutions stemming from Arizona's research institutions.
