Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative

The ARPA-H Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative, as outlined in solicitation ARPA-H-SOL-25-118, aims to drive innovative health solutions through two distinct tracks: Technology-Driven Innovation (Track 1) and Community-Centered Innovation (Track 2). This program is designed to support early-career investigators and community innovators in developing groundbreaking technologies, platforms, and methodologies that address critical health challenges. The primary objective of the EHI Initiative is to accelerate health outcomes by fostering innovative biomedical and health research. Track 1 focuses on supporting early-career investigators—individuals within ten years of their first research-based appointment—who propose innovative, technology-driven health solutions. Examples include leveraging advanced computational models for medical diagnostics or exploring the lymphatic system's role in immune response and disease mechanisms. Track 2 is centered on community innovators and organizations, emphasizing health interventions tailored to local communities, such as improving childhood asthma management or creating environmental health monitoring tools. The funding scope includes financial support of up to $350,000 per year for two years, with an optional third year for exceptional performers under the "Director's Award." Both tracks emphasize feasibility, scalability, and community or clinical impact. Funding mechanisms include Other Transaction (OT) Agreements and Cooperative Agreements, allowing flexibility in project execution and oversight. Eligibility differs between the two tracks. For Track 1, applicants must be early-career investigators affiliated with U.S.-based academic or research institutions. Postdoctoral fellows and individuals planning to leave their institution within the next three years are ineligible. For Track 2, applicants must be community-based organizations (CBOs) with nonprofit status, a governing body composed of local residents, and a demonstrated commitment to addressing community health priorities. The submission process is two-phased. Step 1 requires a two-page solution summary outlining the problem, impact, and proposed methodologies. Feedback will determine whether applicants are encouraged or discouraged to proceed to Step 2, where they will present a pitch presentation virtually. Evaluation criteria include scientific and technical merit, potential contribution to ARPA-H’s mission, community impact, and cost reasonableness. Key dates include a Proposers' Day on January 8, 2025, the solution summary submission deadline on February 5, 2025, and pitch presentations scheduled for April 2025. Awards are anticipated to begin in June 2025. Successful applicants are expected to participate in program-related meetings, including monthly virtual updates, an in-person kick-off event, and an annual gathering. Compliance with regulatory requirements for human and animal subjects research, intellectual property management, and cybersecurity measures is mandatory.