At a glance
This program supports early-stage product development for small molecules, biologics, and combination products for NHLBI mission-related diseases and disorders, with work such as lead compound series identification and prototype testing. Eligible applicants include U.S. higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, governments, tribal organizations, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, and federal agencies; foreign organizations are not eligible, though foreign components of U.S. organizations are allowed. Awards are grants of up to $400,000 in direct costs per year for up to two years, and NHLBI expects up to 24 new awards across this NOFO and three companion announcements in FY 2026–2028. A non-federal cash match of at least 25% of the federal direct costs is expected, and at least one Accelerator Partner is required. Clinical trials are not allowed.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
The goal of the NHLBI Catalyze Program is to provide a comprehensive suite of support and services to facilitate the transition of basic science discoveries into viable diagnostic and therapeutic candidates that have been cleared for human testing, and to develop translational researchers fluent in product development and entrepreneurship. This specific Catalyze Product Definition initiative will provide the early stage translational support needed for the activities required to identify and characterize potential therapeutic candidates and combination products to treat HLBS diseases and disorders. This initiative has a companion initiative that supports development of devices and diagnostics and is also part of a suite of innovation grants to advance projects to the point where they can meet the entry criteria for the NHLBI Catalyze Preclinical Program.
Who can apply
- City or township governments
- County governments
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Independent school districts
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
- Others
- Private institutions of higher education
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities
- Small businesses
- Special district governments
- State governments