Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Therapeutic Agent Characterization and Preclinical Efficacy Studies

The Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) initiative, led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically through the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and in collaboration with the National Institute of Aging and the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long Term (HEAL) initiative, aims to facilitate early-stage translational research. This program supports studies that characterize the therapeutic potential of candidate agents, including both small molecules and biologics, in validated preclinical models or through validated New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). The goal is to generate sufficient pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and efficacy data to justify advancing the therapeutic agents into further development phases for neurological disorders or for non-opioid pain therapeutics with low or no addiction potential. This forecasted grant opportunity reflects NIH’s ongoing commitment to support preclinical research that bridges basic discoveries and therapeutic development. The IGNITE program under this announcement is particularly focused on translational efforts for disorders of interest to participating NIH Institutes and Centers. Projects funded through this mechanism are expected to demonstrate rigorous evaluation in models that predict human disease response, thereby strengthening the biological rationale for further investment. The initiative supports the broader NIH goal of accelerating therapeutic discovery and development, particularly in fields with significant unmet clinical need such as pain and neurodegeneration. Eligible applicants include a broad array of organizations such as institutions of higher education (both public and private), state and local governments, tribal entities (both federally recognized and non-federally recognized), non-profit and for-profit organizations, small businesses, housing authorities, and various other U.S. and non-U.S. entities. This wide eligibility scope is consistent with NIH’s effort to promote diverse participation and inclusive innovation. The announcement notes that foreign institutions, regional organizations, faith-based organizations, and eligible agencies of the federal government may also apply. No cost sharing or matching funds are required for eligibility. At this stage, the funding opportunity is in its forecasted phase and is not yet accepting applications. This forecast provides potential applicants with advance notice to allow for strategic planning and the development of competitive proposals. The estimated date for the funding opportunity to be formally posted is July 30, 2026, with applications due by September 30, 2026. Successful applicants would be notified by July 1, 2027, which is also the projected start date for funded projects. The program is anticipated to operate on a recurring basis. Interested applicants should note that the notice encourages the formation of meaningful collaborations and the preparation of responsive projects during the pre-announcement phase. While specific application components or evaluation criteria are not detailed at this time, the scope of eligible research and the translational intent of the funding imply that proposals will be assessed on scientific rigor, innovation, and potential for downstream therapeutic development. Applicants are directed to contact the program office via email at [email protected] for inquiries. As of the analysis date, no PDF of the full funding opportunity announcement has been posted.