Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund

The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF), administered by the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (MSCRC), has announced its second funding cycle for fiscal year 2026. The fund was established under the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act of 2006 by the state’s governor and General Assembly to support the development and application of human stem cell-based technologies. MSCRF’s mission is to accelerate the discovery, translation, and commercialization of regenerative medicine within the state, aiming to transform innovative science into tangible therapies. TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, provides administrative support and promotes economic development through technology investment, including MSCRF. MSCRF offers seven specialized grant programs: Manufacturing Assistance, Clinical, Validation, Commercialization, Discovery, Fellowship, and Launch. Each program targets a specific stage of research or commercialization, from early exploratory work to clinical trials and product manufacturing. For example, the Clinical program supports trials conducted in Maryland and requires a 1:1 non-state match and an approved Investigational New Drug (IND) application. The Fellowship and Launch programs focus on early-career researchers and those new to the stem cell field. The Discovery, Validation, and Commercialization programs target academic researchers and startups developing and validating technologies. The Manufacturing Assistance program aids organizations in scaling production under good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards, also requiring a 1:1 match. MSCRF funding is limited to human stem cell-based research, and all expenditures must occur within Maryland, though collaborations with out-of-state entities are allowed if no funds leave the state. MSCRF explicitly encourages proposals that incorporate artificial intelligence, computational biology, or non-animal stem cell models. Enhanced funding allocations are offered for collaborative, cross-sector projects involving universities, nonprofits, companies, and hospitals. This is aligned with Maryland’s investment in high-growth sectors such as life sciences, computational biology, and quantum technology. Eligibility varies by program but includes companies, academic institutions, postdoctoral researchers, and new faculty at Maryland-based non-federal labs. Applicants may only serve as a principal investigator for one application per cycle but may serve as collaborators on others. Out-of-state and non-U.S. companies can apply if their research is conducted within Maryland. Each grant has unique eligibility nuances detailed in the program RFAs available on the MSCRF website. Funding is capped in some programs, with indirect costs limited to 15% of the total award amount. Applications are due by January 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. No letter of intent is required. Applicants must register in the MSCRF submission portal and upload all materials in PDF format. Required documents may include IRB, IACUC, or SCRO approvals, depending on the project scope. For support or technical issues, applicants are directed to contact the MSCRF team via email at [email protected]. Award decisions and timelines vary by program and are detailed in individual RFAs. Applications are reviewed by scientific peers and Commission members, with award decisions subject to regulatory clearance. This grant program is recurring, with two cycles per year—typically mid-January and mid-July. Applicants are encouraged to review revised RFAs carefully and engage early with the MSCRF team, especially for collaborative or out-of-state submissions.

Early engagement is encouraged; ensure compliance with Maryland expenditure rules.