Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Development and Validation of Model Systems to Facilitate Neurotherapeutic Discovery (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
About
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) encourages the development and validation of animal models and human/animal tissue ex vivo systems that recapitulate the phenotypic and physiologic characteristics of a defined neurological or neuromuscular disorder. The goal of this FOA is to promote a significant improvement in the translational relevance of animal models or ex vivo systems that will be utilized to facilitate future development of neurotherapeutics. Ideally, models proposed for this FOA would have the potential to provide feasible and meaningful assessments of efficacy following therapeutic intervention that would be applicable in both preclinical and clinical settings. This FOA is part of a suite of Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) Program focused on enabling the exploratory and early stages of drug discovery.
The Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) program focuses on developing and validating animal models and human/animal tissue ex vivo systems that accurately represent the characteristics of neurological and neuromuscular disorders. This grant is ideal for researchers, academic institutions, and organizations seeking to advance the translational relevance of preclinical models used in neurotherapeutic discovery. Applicants should propose model systems that can provide meaningful assessments of therapeutic efficacy applicable in both preclinical and clinical settings. The program supports the exploratory and early stages of drug discovery, making it valuable for teams looking to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application. Eligible applicants include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, AANAPISIs, faith-based and community-based organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments, and eligible federal agencies. If your organization is developing innovative model systems to improve neurotherapeutic discovery and validation, this IGNITE funding opportunity could accelerate your research and strengthen your competitive position in drug development. Note that clinical trials are not permitted under this specific FOA.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
October 20, 2027
Award Amount
Up to $750K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to $750K
Deadline
2027-10-20
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (Deadline: October 20, 2027)
Best For
Research institutions, academic medical centers, and organizations developing animal models or ex vivo tissue systems for neurological and neuromuscular disease research; HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other underrepresented minority institutions
Eligibility
Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Govern
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Development and Validation of Model Systems to Facilitate Neurotherapeutic Discovery (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Eligible applicants include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), faith-based and community-based organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments, and eligible federal agencies. For a complete and current list of eligible entity types, visit the official NIH funding opportunity announcement website.
How much funding does Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Development and Validation of Model Systems to Facilitate Neurotherapeutic Discovery (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provide?
Funding ranges from up to $750,000. The actual amount awarded may vary based on the specific project scope, phase, and review outcomes. Contact the administering NIH institute or visit the official FOA for details on funding phases and maximum project periods.
How do I apply for Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Development and Validation of Model Systems to Facilitate Neurotherapeutic Discovery (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Applications are submitted through the NIH electronic submission system (eRA Commons/IMPAC II). You must prepare a detailed research proposal describing your model system development and validation approach, demonstrate how it recapitulates neurological or neuromuscular disorder characteristics, and explain its translational relevance. Visit the official NIH IGNITE FOA page for specific instructions, required forms, submission deadlines, and technical assistance resources.
What can Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Development and Validation of Model Systems to Facilitate Neurotherapeutic Discovery (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding be used for?
Funding supports the development and validation of animal models or human/animal tissue ex vivo systems that accurately represent neurological or neuromuscular disorders. Projects should focus on improving the translational relevance and predictive value of these systems for neurotherapeutic discovery. Note that clinical trials are not permitted. Funds may support research personnel, equipment, supplies, and other costs directly related to model system development, characterization, and validation activities.
Last updated: July 5, 2026