Event Type : Pathways Newsletter Events

The Florida Department of Health presents the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, designed to advance cancer research and treatment through innovative models and cross-sector collaboration. This funding opportunity focuses on enhancing data accessibility, sharing best practices, and removing barriers to technological advancements in cancer care. 

This opportunity is exclusively available to Florida-based entities, universities, and research institutions. There are fourgrant categories for consideration: Consortium, Standard, Pilot and Post-doctoral Fellowship. 

Applications are due by January 21, 2025. For detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines, visit the Florida Department of Health information brochure here.

The Microsoft Imagine Cup 2025, hosted by Microsoft, is the premier global competition for student founders, offering a chance to turn innovative ideas into successful startups. This competition empowers students to leverage AI and Microsoft Cloud technologies to create transformative solutions.

Participants will gain access to industry-leading AI services, increased credits from Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, expert guidance, and exclusive networking opportunities. The grand prize includes $100,000 and a mentorship session with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Submit your project by the deadline January 22, 2025. Take the first step toward scaling your innovation and register for 2025 Imagine Cup. 

The OCULAB Program, hosted by ARPA-H, aims to develop an innovative wearable biomarker measurement system using tear-based sensors for real-time continuous health monitoring. The primary focus is on addressing Dry Eye Disease (DED) with a precise drug dosing system, using a closed-loop delivery platform that can be inserted into the tear duct.

The OCUBLAB system will use nanosensors and advanced technologies like wearable tech, bioassays, nanotechnology, and AI algorithms to revolutionize continuous biomarker monitoring for DED and other conditions as well. Diverse technical teams (U.S based) are encouraged to collaborate on research proposals aimed at advancing this vision.

Solution Summaries are due by January 27, 2025, 5:00 PM EST. Multiple awards are available. For more details on team and proposal requirements, visit the program page here!

UF Innovate is excited to host the BioFlorida New Year Pre-Celebration in honor of Sid Martin Biotech’s 30th Anniversary on Wednesday, January 29th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST at UF Innovate | Sid Martin Biotech, 12085 Research Dr., Alachua, FL. This free, in-person event offers an excellent opportunity to network with members of Florida’s entrepreneurial and life sciences community, celebrating three decades of innovation and success.

Registration is required by 12:00 PM EST on January 28th. For more information, contact Lexi Salloum, Community Coordinator, at lexisalloum@ufl.edu or read more about the event here. Don’t miss this chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate a significant milestone in Florida’s life sciences innovation ecosystem!

The E-Team Program, organized by the VentureWell Accelerator, is designed to support student ventures by providing up to $25,000 in grant funding, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship. Individuals accepted for the first stage of the program, Pioneer, are eligible for the second phase, Propel. 

This opportunity is for early-stage innovator teams aiming to address significant social, health, or environmental challenges. Teams must consist of at least two enrolled students and a faculty advisor.

The application deadline is January 28th. Visit the VentureWell E-Team Program page to learn more or visit the FAQ webpage.

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN) presents the second annual virtual summit, “The State of Cell and Gene Therapy.” This free online event brings together leading experts from industry and academia to explore the latest breakthroughs, ongoing challenges, and future directions in cell and gene therapy. 

Attendees will gain insights industry experts and explore discussions on gene therapy for rare diseases, delivery technologies, and the top challenges facing the field. 

The event will take place on January 29th at 11:00 AM. Register via the GEN registration page to secure your spot.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites Phase I SBIR and STTR awardees to participate in the I-Corps at NIH Program, a hands-on entrepreneurship training designed to help innovators commercialize their products.

Over eight weeks in the program, participants will gain expert biotech sector training, engage with potential customers to refine their target market, expand professional networks, and build comprehensive business models. The program includes an in-person kickoff in Atlanta, GA, and a closeout session in Bethesda, MD, with virtual sessions in between. Program costs are fully covered by a $55,000 supplement.

Applications are due by January 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (your local time). For details, contact Julia Berzhanskaya at Julia.Berzhanskaya@nih.gov or read more here.

Click here to view opportunites

The Innovation Cup 2025, hosted by Merck KGaA, invites postgraduate students to collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions for unmet customer needs in key fields such as Oncology, Neuroscience & Immunology, Drug Discovery, Green Chemistry, Digital Health, Smart Manufacturing, and Neuro Inspired AI Inference Acceleration.

This opportunity begins with a summer program that allows participants to work in teams and evaluate ideas from both technical and business perspective to build a convincing business plan. Teams in the summer camp will have travel and other expenses covered with  the chance to win up to €20,000 in prizes.

The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025. You may apply for more than one team. For more information about this opportunity, please click here. 

The Adhesive and Sealant council (ASC)  Innovation Award celebrates groundbreaking advancements in adhesive and sealant product development, recognizing chemical advances that address unmet needs and propel downstream industries forward. This prestigious award fosters innovation across the industry and academia, recognizing transformative contributions to technology.

The program is open to raw material suppliers, adhesive/sealant manufacturers, and academic researchers who are driving impactful innovations. Winners and runners-up will be honored at the ASC Annual Convention & EXPO from April 14-16, 2025, in Jacksonville, FL.

Submit your entry by January 31, 2025. For more details on the award requirements, read more here. 

The American-Made DAC Pilot Prize, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), supports the development of innovative Direct Air Capture (DAC) pilot facilities capable of capturing at least 500 tonnes of CO₂ per year. The competition provides up to $52.5 million in awards, assisting projects through key development stages such as pre-FEED and FEED studies, to accelerate the commercialization of DAC technology with a focus on environmental justice and community advancement.

This opportunity is open to private entities, academic institutions, and non-federal government organizations. Applications are due by February 7, 2025. For more information on eligibility rules and to begin your application, visit the American-Made Challenges website.

The 2nd annual Smart Cities Smart Bases Innovation Challenge is now accepting submissions! This challenge invites bold, innovative thinkers to propose cutting-edge, dual-use technologies that address the shared technical, environmental, and security challenges faced by both smart cities and military bases. 

Key focus areas include AI and Autonomous Systems, C5ISR and Sensor Systems, Cyber and Infrastructure Security, and more.This challenge offers participants the chance to present their innovations to industry leaders and decision-makers, build valuable connections in the smart city and defense sectors, and gain recognition for their contributions to advancing technology.

Submit your proposal by February 7, 2025, for an opportunity to present on stage at the Smart Cities Connect Conference on April 15, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. To begin your application and learn more, click here.

The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering is hosting the IISE Innovation Cup, a prestigious award that recognizes excellence in applying ISE tools and techniques to solve significant challenges. The competition evaluates submissions in four areas: the uniqueness and societal relevance of the challenge, the innovative use of ISE solutions, the impact and sustainability of the implementation, and the quality of communication through technical presentations.

Teams of two or more from any institution are welcome to apply. The top three teams will receive the IISE Innovation Cup at the IISE Annual Conference & Expo, taking place in Atlanta from May 31 – June 3, 2025. 

Applications are due by February 9, 2025. To learn more about the opportunity and apply visit the competition webpage. 

The AI Open Innovation Challenge (AIOIC), in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore and Agorize, provides a global platform for startups and SMEs to showcase their AI expertise and drive the next wave of innovation. This challenge focuses on AI applications for operational efficiency, guest experience, social and environmental impact, and surveillance and security, offering an opportunity to push the boundaries of AI technology. Participants will have access to over $550,000 in paid trials and grant support, along with mentorship from leading technical partners, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud.

This opportunity is open to startups and SMEs specializing in AI solutions. Applications are due by February 10, 2025. For more details and to apply, visit the AIOIC website.

America’s Seed Fund Week 2025, a free online event, kicks off with a Virtual Road Tour to connect entrepreneurs with the nation’s largest source of early-stage funding. America’s Seed Fund provides $4 billion annually to help startups take their technologies from R&D to commercialization. 

Attendees will learn the basics of America’s Seed Fund, understand evaluation processes, and engage with federal agency representatives to start their funding journey.

The online event will run from February 11th-13th, 2024. To learn more and register, visit the America Seed Fund website.

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) hosts an Student Showcase, an annual event celebrating exceptional student inventors and a platform for student innovators to present their groundbreaking ideas to leading inventors, university leaders, and industry experts.

As a part of the event the Genspiration Prize, awarded by the Genspiration Foundation and NAI, recognizing excellence in student innovation with significant societal impact. 

University Prize winners will receive a $5,000 cash award to further develop their innovation. Teams and individuals are welcome to apply, with up to three team members eligible to attend the Annual Conference if selected.To qualify, university inventors must be enrolled at an NAI Member Institution and must submit an endorsement from their faculty advisor. 
Applications are due by February 11th, 2025. For more details on the Genspiration Prize visit the Academy of Inventors webpage.

The GHP PATHs Prize, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, offers a total of $3 million to accelerate the hiring, certification, and training of geothermal heat pump (GHP) workers. Open to U.S.-based individuals, teams, and organizations, the competition consists of three phases—Connect, Engage, and Execute—with cash awards for successful workforce development solutions. Participants will build partnerships, identify workforce gaps, and implement sustainable training and hiring programs.

Applications are accepted up until February 12th, 2025. For details and to apply, visit the American-Made Challenges website.

​​The U.S. Department of State, through its U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership (USASCP), is offering the Smart Cities Business Innovation Fund 2.0, a $3 million initiative designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in ASEAN member states. Track 2 of this program focuses on partnerships between ASEAN entities and Singaporean companies to develop innovative, carbon-neutral solutions to urban challenges.

Applicants will submit a joint narrative and itemized budget via the application portal, while Enterprise Singapore will provide supplementary funding to the Singaporean partner. This opportunity is ideal for MSMEs, NGOs, and universities in ASEAN nations collaborating with Singaporean companies to tackle pressing urban sustainability issues.

The application deadline for Track 2 is February 15, 2025. For more details, including access to templates and resources, visit the Request for Proposals page.

The Nurse Innovation Fellowship, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and powered by Penn Nursing and the Wharton School, is now accepting applications for its one-year, team-based program. This groundbreaking fellowship is designed for Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs), nurse executives, and senior nurse leaders to cultivate nurse-led innovation and leadership within healthcare systems, ultimately fostering transformative change for both nurses and patients.

The program blends human-centered design and design thinking principles from Penn Nursing with business acumen, change management, and strategic leadership training from Wharton Executive Education. Over the year, two nurse leaders from 15 U.S. health systems will tackle real-world healthcare challenges and pitch innovative solutions for implementation in their organizations. Must be regiostred nurses that reside in U.S or territories.. 

Johnson & Johnson’s sponsorship fully covers attendance and travel costs, making this an exceptional opportunity for healthcare leaders to drive impactful change.

Applications close on February 17, 2025. To learn more about the fellowship and begin your application, click here. 

The Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab (ASCE-SPIL) is an initiative from Clemson University, The Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP), and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS). The program aims to develop sustainable packaging solutions for specialty crops, in response to emergent regulations on single-use and plastic packaging in key global markets like the EU, UK, Canada, Japan, and more.

FFAR is accepting applications for the program to create packaging alternatives that can replace single-use plastic while maintaining functionality in a cost-effective manner. There are three tracks within the program:

• Track 1 (Applied R&D): Proposals aimed at innovative solutions still in the laboratory stage but showing promise for pilot-scale manufacturing.
• Track 2 (Technology Accelerator): Proposals focused on scaling sustainable packaging innovations within the fresh produce industry.
• Track 3 (Scale-up and Pilot): Proposals to run pilot-scale manufacturing projects for commercializing packaging solutions for specialty crop exports.

]Applications are due by February 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM. For more details and to apply, please visit the program website.

CSL, a leading global biotech company dedicated to developing innovative biotherapies for life-threatening medical conditions, is now accepting applications for their 2025 Research Acceleration Initiative. This initiative aims to fast-track the discovery of breakthrough treatments through strategic partnerships with global research organizations.

Selected applicants will receive up to $400,000 USD in funding over two years to support research projects that align with CSL’s Therapeutic Areas—including cardiovascular and renal diseases, hematology, transplant and immunology, vaccines, plasma protein research, and gene editing—and incorporate CSL’s advanced platform technologies.

Interested researchers are encouraged to attend informational webinars on Thursday, January 23 at 1 p.m. ET or Wednesday, February 5 at 11 a.m. ET to learn more about the initiative.

Contact Anita Rao (arao@ufl.edu) to express interest and receive online application instructions. Submission deadline for the 300-word non-confidential abstract is due CSL by February 20, 2025. To learn more about the initiative, click here.

Data Center World is hosting its annual Innovation Challenge for data center organizations to pitch groundbreaking technology solutions to the data center community. This competition is designed to provide exposure, networking opportunities, and mentorship, empowering companies to gain visibility and scale their businesses effectively.

This opportunity is open to small businesses and technology companies focused on solutions that directly impact data center operations and professionals. Applications will be evaluated based on key criteria, including Business Model, Customer Validation, Go-to-Market Strategy, Execution & Design, and Team Composition.

Applications must be submitted by the deadline on February 21, 2025. For the full challenge details and to apply, visit the Data Center World website.

The Crop Innovation & Business Conference is offering a pitch opportunity for academic institutes and early-stage companies to present their innovative products, services, or technologies for the agriculture industry. This conference brings together experts from breeding, AgBio, AgTech companies, and the international agri-food sector, to connect startups and academic institutions to investors and accelerate product development..

Selected pitch participants will have the chance to give a 6-minute pitch to over 200 executives, investors, and potential collaboration partners.

The application process involves a test pitch with applications are due by March 1, 2025. To apply or for more information, visit the pitch webpage or contact leon.mur@cropib.com.

The International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) is hosting the 2025 Innovation Challenge, focused on identifying groundbreaking chemistry or chemical technology innovations that tackle climate change mitigation and adaptation. This challenge contains three key focus areas: 

1. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in chemical production
2. GHG mitigation through chemistry and biotechnology solutions
3. Chemistry-based climate change adaptation technologies

This opportunity is open to all innovators and entrepreneurs developing chemistry solutions. The finalists will receive tailored support, including pitch training and potential features as Start-up of the Month. Winners will share a total prize pool of 25,000 EUR.

Applications must be submitted by March 3, 2025. To apply, visit the ISC3 website and register using their provided online form.

The Hamlyn Symposium on Medical Robotics has opened applications for its Surgical Robot Challenge. This competition seeks innovative submissions with a focus on frugal innovation, practical application, and thoughtful design, especially in enhancing surgical procedures in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Prototypes should be affordable, simple, and scalable, addressing surgical gaps in resource-constrained environments, and ultimately improving access to surgical care and reducing mortality rates in these regions.

The winning teams will receive free registration to attend the Hamlyn Symposium on June 25-26, 2025, and select demos will be invited to showcase their work at the symposium. Teams are encouraged to incorporate new developments into existing ideas, focusing on improving functionality, and design.

This opportunity is open to academic institutions globally, and industry applicants collaborating with academic partners. The application deadline is 23:59 GMT  (8 PM  EST) on March 21, 2025. For further details and to apply, visit the Hamlyn Symposium website.

The 2025 Saving Time Practice Innovation Boot Camp, hosted by the American Medical Association (AMA) STEPS Forward® Innovation Academy, is a two-day, in-person workshop designed to equip clinical and operational leaders with practical tools for workforce sustainability and quality improvement.

This interactive event focuses on eliminating unnecessary work and optimizing time management to prioritize patient care and professional well-being. Through breakout sessions, interactive activities, and tactical strategy breakdowns, attendees will gain actionable insights to drive meaningful change within their organizations.

The registration deadline is and the event will take place from March 31 – April 1, 2025, at the American Medical Association Headquarters in Chicago, IL. For explore the key focus areas and register, visit the AMA event webpage.

The NCI SBIR provides funding and non-funding support to small businesses and entrepreneurs developing novel cancer technologies.

For FY 25, there are funding opportunities for 13 different Contract Topics:

·     NIH/NCI 466 – Novel Delivery Systems for RNA-based Cancer Vaccines

·     NIH/NCI 467 – Development of Cancer Immunoprevention Agents

·     NIH/NCI 468 – Synthetic Microbes (Excluding Oncolytic Viruses) for Immuno-Oncology Therapies

·     NIH/NCI 469 – Development of Novel Therapeutics for HPV-related Precancer

·     NIH/NCI 470 – Precision Nutrition Interventions to Reduce Cancer-Related Symptoms

·     NIH/NCI 471 – Drug-Loaded Carrier Particles for Improved Oral Delivery for Colon Cancer Prevention

·     NIH/NCI 472 – Antibody-Drug Conjugates as Radiopharmaceutical Theranostics for Cancer

·     NIH/NCI 473 – Point of Care Detection of Antibodies Against HPV16/18 E6 and E7 Oncoproteins in Oropharyngeal Cancer

·     NIH/NCI 474 – Point of Care Technologies for GI Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

·     NIH/NCI 475 – Development of Digital Biomarkers and Endpoints for Clinical Cancer Care

·     NIH/NCI 476 – Digital Twin Software for Optimization of Cancer Radiation Therapy 

·     NIH/NCI 477 – Wearable Technologies to Facilitate Remote Monitoring of Cancer Patients Following Treatment·    

NIH/NCI 478 – Advanced Biomaterials to Improve Cancer Modeling for Research

To learn more about these opportunities, click on the topic links or visit the SBIR page here.

The Florida High Tech Corridor provides a comprehensive resource hub designed to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in accessing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. Through initiatives like the  FL FAST initiative, the Corridor provides training workshops, one-on-one assistance, and strategic guidance in areas like award identification, budget preparation, proposal review, and research partnerships. 

The initiative also offers on-demand virtual training sessions to equip entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders with the knowledge needed to succeed. To learn more, access training resources, or join upcoming sessions, visit the Florida High Tech Corridor website.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) SBIR/STTR Office is offering the Phase 0 Application Assistance Program to support first-time applicants preparing their SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications. This free program is designed to help eligible small businesses navigate the application process, offering guidance on proposal development and submission.

The Phase 0 program is open to first-time DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. Eligible participants will receive tailored assistance to improve their chances of securing funding for their innovative projects.

To review eligibility and apply for Phase 0 assistance on the DOE website here.  A free online DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I Grant Application Guide, a searchable and well-organized resource designed to streamline the application process, is also available here.

Department of Defense, Army, DLA, DMEA, and DARPA | SBIR 2025.4 Opportunities Now Open

These programs are Congressionally-mandated set-asides to encourage domestic small businesses’ engagement in research and development, scientific excellence, and technological innovation through federal research fund investment in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy and accelerate Warfighter capabilities.

Department of Defense, Air Force, Navy, DHA, and MDA | SBIR 2025.1 and STTR 2025.A Opportunities Now Open

The Defense Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program’s objectives include stimulating technological innovation, strengthening the role of small business to meet DoD research and development (R&D) needs, fostering and encouraging minority and disadvantaged persons’ participation in  technological innovation, and increasing the commercial application of DoD-supported research or R&D results.

NASA, CCRPP for Fiscal Year 2025

The Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP) is a funding opportunity available to small businesses with a primary objective of accelerating the near-term transition of SBIR- and STTR-funded technologies to infusion and/or commercialization, not an incremental improvement in technology maturation alone. How to Apply

U.S. Department of Education’s and Institute of Education Sciences’ Small Business Innovation Research program

ED/IES SBIR makes awards to eligible small businesses for the research and development and evaluation of the next generation of education technology products for use by learners, educators, and administrators to address pressing problems in education.

U.S. Department of Energy Notice of Funding Opportunity: SBIR/STTR FY 2025 Phase I Release 2

SBIR/STTR Phase I awards are up to $200,000 for six months to one year. Details on the topics for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Phase I release of the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) are below.

For more upcoming Funding Opportunities, visit this page.

Visit here

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is a research funding agency that supports transformative biomedical and health breakthroughs – ranging from the molecular to the societal – to provide health solutions for all.

There are various programs covering different areas of medical innovation, which include (but aren’t limited to):

ADAPT — ADvanced Analysis for Precision cancer Therapy

APECx — Antigens Predicted for Broad Viral Efficacy through Computational Experimentation

DIGIHEALS — ARPA-H Digital Health Security Initiative

PSI – Precision Surgical Initiatives

LIGHT — Lymphatic Imaging, Genomics, and Phenotyping Technologies

NITRO — Novel Innovations for Tissue Regeneration in Osteoarthrtis

OCULAB — Ocular Laboratory for Analysis of Biomarkers

 Programs have various application deadlines. To learn more and apply, visit the ARPA-H website here.

Foresight Science & Technology, in collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is excited to announce the launch of the Innovator to Entrepreneur Program (ITEP). This program is designed to support inventors developing innovative products who have little to no experience in entrepreneurship or business grantsmanship. 

Eligible participants must have no prior NIH SBIR/STTR awards, minimal entrepreneurial experience, and products aligned with NIAID and NHLBI areas of interest. 

The program opened on January 8th and is currently accepting applications. For more details and approaching deadlines, visit the ITEP announcement webpage. To review the slide from the recent ITEP informational webinar, you can view them here.