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Trailblazer Award for New and Early Stage Investigators (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

Up to $400,000
Type
GRANTS AND FUNDING
Application Difficulty
MEDIUM
Application DeadlineJanuary 07, 2026
Time To Complete4 weeksProgram Budgetno cap
See If You Qualify

Highlights

There's a unique opportunity for you to pursue innovative research that could be a game-changer for your business. The Trailblazer Award enables you to explore groundbreaking ideas that combine engineering and physical sciences with life or biomedical sciences. This program encourages projects that are high-risk and high-impact, so you can take bold steps without the pressure of needing extensive preliminary data. Imagine diving into your ideas without the usual financial strain—that's what this funding aims to provide.

By applying, you gain access to flexible funding that allows you to focus on finding solutions that can lead to significant advancements in your field. The fact that no preliminary data is required means you can jumpstart your innovative projects with minimal barriers. This is especially beneficial for new and early-stage investigators like yourself, who have the vision but might not yet have extensive background research.

In summary, this program positions you to explore, innovate, and make an impact without the heavy initial hurdles. You'll be empowered to take risks and turn your visionary ideas into reality, all while receiving the support you need to succeed.

Financing Details

This program offers grant funding for qualified businesses.

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

  • There are no repayment terms or interest rates associated with this grant. That means once you receive the funds, you don’t have to pay them back. It’s free money designed to help you achieve your research goals.

Eligible Expenses:

  • The funds can be used for various research-related expenses. This includes costs like materials, supplies, equipment, and personnel needed to support your projects that integrate engineering and the physical and life sciences.

Restrictions and Fees:

  • The funds cannot be used for costs unrelated to your research, such as general operational expenses, administrative costs, or any personal expenses. Additionally, there are no application fees or hidden charges associated with this program. You can focus on your research without worrying about unexpected costs.

Qualifications

  • Qualifying Criteria:

    • Must be an NIH-defined New or Early Stage Investigator.
    • Can propose research programs integrating engineering and physical sciences with life and/or biomedical sciences.
    • Projects can be exploratory, developmental, proof of concept, or high risk-high impact.
    • Research approaches with minimal or no preliminary data are acceptable. If preliminary data exists, it must be minimal and clearly marked, limited to one-half page and may include one figure.
  • Disqualifying Criteria:

    • Applications including preliminary data exceeding one-half page or more than one figure will be considered noncompliant and will not go forward to review.
  • Location:

    • Available across the country.
  • Sector:

    • Open to all sectors.
  • Employee and Revenue Requirements:

    • No minimum or maximum employee requirements.
    • No minimum or maximum company revenue requirements.
  • Legal and Profit Structures:

    • All legal structures are applicable.
    • All profit structures are applicable.

Description

This award offers a unique chance for you to pursue innovative research that blends engineering and physical sciences with life or biomedical sciences. You can explore groundbreaking ideas that could change the way things work in your industry. The focus is on exploratory projects—those that are high-risk and high-impact—so you can take bold steps in your research without the need for extensive preliminary data. This means you can jumpstart your ideas even if you haven’t conducted extensive background research.

With this program, you can access funding to support your research efforts. Although the exact amount available isn’t defined, it's designed to enable you to pursue your ideas without financial strain. This flexibility encourages creativity and exploration, allowing you to focus on what matters: finding solutions that can lead to significant advancements in your field.

Another notable feature is that you won’t be required to provide initial data to qualify. This greatly reduces the barriers to entry, empowering you to take risks and innovate without the pressure of needing extensive prior results. You can propose research methods that have minimal or no preliminary data, simplifying the process and helping you bring your ideas to life.

Program Steps

  1. Prepare Your Proposal
    Outline your innovative research idea. Focus on how it combines engineering and physical sciences with life or biomedical sciences. Highlight the potential high-risk and high-impact elements of your project.

  2. Gather Required Documentation
    Collect the necessary documents to support your application. You will need:

    • A detailed project proposal
    • Budget justification
    • CVs or biosketches of the principal investigators
    • Letters of support from collaborators or institutions, if applicable
  3. Complete the Application Form
    Fill out the application form provided on the program website. Ensure all information is accurate and concise.

  4. Submit Your Application
    Review your completed application and documents. Submit them through the designated online portal before the deadline.

  5. Follow Up
    Confirm that your application has been received. If you do not receive confirmation, reach out to the program coordinators for assistance.

  6. Prepare for Review
    Be ready for any queries or requests for additional information from the reviewing committee. Make sure you can discuss your project in detail.

  7. Stay Informed
    Monitor the program website or your email for updates on the selection process and any announcements regarding funding decisions.

Visit Program Website