What is SPARK Accelerator program?

The SPARK Accelerator is a free-of-cost, equity-free, six-month accelerator program offering comprehensive wraparound services focused on technical, clinical, regulatory, reimbursement, intellectual property, and commercialization support. The program is powered by Children’s National Hospital and sponsored by BARDA to support companies developing innovative solutions to enhance pandemic preparedness and health security for pediatric populations.

Who is eligible to apply for this program?

Academic innovators and companies developing technologies aimed at improving health security for pediatric populations are eligible to apply. Proposals should align with BARDA’s mission and focus on innovative solutions in specified focus areas.

Is the opportunity open to non-U.S. entities?

Yes, the funding opportunity is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. entities that meet the eligibility criteria.

What types of companies are NOT considered for this accelerator?

BARDA primarily develops medical countermeasures to counter acute threats and does not support research and development or acceleration in the areas of oncology or chronic disease. However, BARDA does partner with innovators and companies developing platform and multi-use technologies. Applicants can include data from other use cases so long as BARDA resources will be used to support BARDA-relevant use cases.

What is the difference between the SPARK DEV Funding Opportunity and SPARK Accelerator solicitations?

The SPARK Hub offers two parallel tracks:

• Accelerator
  Provides need-based, personalized advisory and mentorship services for startups developing pediatric-focused solutions.
• DEV Funding
  Offers up to $200,000 in non-dilutive funding to support the development, evaluation, or validation of pediatric-focused medical countermeasures.

Applicants are welcome to apply to either or both tracks.

Can I apply to multiple SPARK solicitations simultaneously?

Yes, applicants may apply to multiple SPARK solicitations, as long as each proposal meets the criteria of the respective solicitation.

Can I apply to solicitations from multiple BARDA Accelerator Network (BAN) hubs?

Yes, applicants may submit proposals to multiple BAN hubs, provided each aligns with the scope of the respective hub.

I’m already part of the BARDA and/or SPARK portfolio. Can I apply?

Yes. Current portfolio companies are encouraged to apply to future solicitation cycles, provided their proposals meet the criteria.

Does my organization’s technology best align to the SPARK Hub, another BAN Hub, or other programs at BARDA?

A technology that aligns to the SPARK Hub might also align with other BAN Hubs. Organizations are encouraged to explore the following

BARDA funding opportunities and resources:

• BARDA DRIVe: https://drive.hhs.gov/partner.html
• BARDA BAA Funding: https://medicalcountermeasures.gov/barda/barda-baa/
• BARDA’s Main Page: www.medicalcountermeasures.gov

Organizations should decide which Hub or program to apply to based on their technology’s alignment with the respective scope and mission.

How will proposals be evaluated?

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Alignment with BARDA’s mission
• Solid Understanding of Pediatric Populations
• Innovation and Differentiation
• Plan for Execution
• Technical Expertise
• Regulatory Knowledge and Readiness

Who can I contact for more information?

For additional inquiries, please contact the SPARK Hub team at [email protected]