The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) is offering the 2026–2027 Accelerated Translational Incubator Pilot (ATIP) Grant Program to support innovative translational research projects led by faculty across UMB, UMBC, and UMCP. This program provides funding up to $50,000 in direct costs with no indirects allowed, aiming to generate pilot data that can support major external grant applications and to move novel research ideas along the translational continuum.
Two specific tracks are available under this opportunity: the ICTR Innovative Collaboration Pilot Grant and the ICTR Artificial Intelligence/Cybersecurity/Machine Learning Pilot Grant. Both seek to foster cross-disciplinary, inter-institutional collaboration with the potential to generate impactful healthcare interventions or technologies, particularly those applicable to Maryland’s healthcare systems and communities. The funding period spans from May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, and funds are distributed in two phases with progress-based reporting requirements.
Eligible applicants must be faculty at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher from UMB or its partner institutions (UMBC, UMCP), with UMBC or UMCP applicants required to partner with a UMB Co-PI. Applications must include a milestone-driven timeline, demonstrate translational relevance, and exclude overlap with other funded projects. Researchers with prior ICTR funding may apply only if the previous project is complete and there is no scientific overlap. Proposals cannot supplement existing awards but may propose ancillary aims that build on separate parent studies.
Allowable costs include faculty salary (up to $5,000), research supplies, recruitment, community participation stipends, and justified travel. Unallowable costs include indirects, publication fees, furniture, and administrative support. Applications are submitted via UMB’s REDCap portal and must follow strict formatting and documentation rules including templates for cover letters, budgets, milestones, and biosketches. A power analysis is required for human or animal subject work.
The Intent to Apply must be submitted by October 19, 2025, and the full proposal is due by October 30, 2025. Awardees will be announced in early 2026. Throughout the project year, ICTR Navigators provide support, track milestones, and ensure compliance. Projects will be evaluated on translational relevance, innovation, feasibility, collaborative scope, support for junior investigators, and readiness for future external funding proposals.
Strong justification is required for external vendors and travel. Emphasize project milestones and translational potential. Initiate regulatory approvals early to avoid disqualification.
