What is the SPARK Development, Evaluation, Validation (DEV) Funding Opportunity?

The SPARK DEV Funding Opportunity is an initiative powered by Children’s National Hospital and sponsored by BARDA to support the development, evaluation, or validation of innovative solutions that enhance pandemic preparedness and health security for pediatric populations. Non-dilutive, milestone-based funding awards of up to $200,000 are available for projects with a duration of no more than six months.

Who is eligible to apply for this funding?

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 funding 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 projects are NOT considered for funding?

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 funding will be used to support research and development of the 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.

What is the expected funding duration?

It is anticipated that project milestones will be completed in 6 months from the start of the project, and that the funding will be spent during this time period. Project management and mentor support will be provided during this 6-month period. BARDA and the SPARK Hub also understand that unforeseen events may occur during development, evaluation, and validation activities.

What are the reporting requirements?

Awardees will be required to:

• Submit monthly progress reports and participate in monthly check-in meetings
• Provide milestone-based updates tied to project deliverables
• Submit a final report upon project completion

These reports help track progress and ensure alignment with project goals and funding milestones.

What expenses are allowable under the funding?

Allowable expenses for the non-dilutive funds from SPARK Hub include:

• Direct costs for development, evaluation, or validation activities.
• Labor costs for personnel or contract research organizations (CROs) directly engaged in “doing the work.”

Please note: Indirect costs are not allowable expenses under this award.

As an innovator at an academic institution, what should my business development strategy entail?

While your institution’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) may have its own commercialization strategy, we are seeking a high-level understanding of your technology’s potential path to market entry. In the Business Development section of the application, focus on outlining:

• Key steps for market entry, including potential partnerships, licensing opportunities, or spinout plans.
• Regulatory considerations necessary for approval and deployment.
• Reimbursement pathways to support adoption and market sustainability.

This overview should demonstrate your vision for how your technology can progress toward real-world impact.

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]