HBCU Founders Initiative - Pitch Competition

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications that propose to use mouse models to conduct rigorous preclinical testing of drugs or drug combinations currently used for other conditions, as well as investigational drugs at various stages of clinical development, predicted to be efficacious in AD/ADRD. This initiative will also support preclinical testing of repurposable or investigational drug candidates in combination with non-pharmacologic interventions leading to robust translational outcomes. The central goal is to establish robust proof of concept that will enable rational drug repurposing and combination therapy development for the treatment and prevention of AD/ADRD.

The objective of this funding opportunity is to support investigator-initiated, phase I clinical trials for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders in adults and children. The proposed trial can be single or multisite. Applicants applying for funding under this NOFO should be ready to initiate the clinical trial within the first quarter of the project period. Discussion, submission, and attainment of applicable regulatory (FDA, DSMB, IRB) approvals, and establishment of drug (and placebo, if applicable) supplies, and any necessary third-party agreements should be established by the time of award. If time and support for these and other pre-clinical and/or trial readiness activities are desired, applicants should consider the companion NOFO which utilizes an R61/R33 phased approach.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides a continuing opportunity for the rapid support of early-stage applied research to explore innovative new concepts with the potential for transformational and disruptive changes in energy technology. Spurring Projects to Advance Energy Research and Knowledge Swiftly (SPARKS) awards are intended to be flexible and may take the form of analyses or exploratory research that provides the agency with useful information for the subsequent development of focused technology programs. SPARKS awards may also support proof-of-concept research to develop a unique technology concept, either in an area not currently supported by the agency or as a potential enhancement to an ongoing focused technology program. Applications must propose concepts that are not covered by open ARPA-E focused FOAs and that do not represent incremental improvements over existing technology. SPARKS awards are defined as single-phase efforts of durations of 18 months or less with a total project cost of $500,000 or less and will be issued through Grants. ARPA-E expects to make approximately $10 million per fiscal year available for new awards, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. This announcement is purposely broad in scope to encourage the submission of the most innovative ideas in energy technology to support transformative energy R&D that complements ARPA-E’s primary mechanism, which is through the solicitation of research projects in focused technology programs.ARPA-E’s focused programs target specific areas of technology that the agency has identified through extensive interaction with the appropriate external stakeholders. The focused programs have significant potential impact on one or more of the statutory goals described in Section I.A of the FOA. Awards made in response to the solicitation for focused programs support the aggressive technical targets established in that solicitation. Taken in total, ARPA-E’s focused programs cover a broad swath of energy technologies and applications.

In its 13th year, the Fast Pitch Competition from the Women Founders Network is open to U.S. businesses started by women. To be eligible, your business cannot have raised more than $750,000. Selected participants pitch their businesses in person and winners receive $25,000 grants.

The Restaurant Business Development Program is designed to support restaurant owners like you by offering comprehensive business development assistance valued at $15,000. This program ensures your business is financially sustainable, operationally sound, and advancing towards your next culinary endeavor. Cohorts will receive six months of intentional consultations followed up with educational training service, continuous training and services, extend to support you with procedures that will help you process and maintain your business.