Overview
We invite startups and university-backed projects to apply for non-dilutive funding awards up to $200,000. This funding supports proof-of-concept studies supporting the development, evaluation or validation of innovative digital health solutions aligned with the Center for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority’s (BARDA) mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and health security.
The Paratus Digital Health Accelerator-BARDA Accelerator Network Hub for Digital Health provides funding and support services to help entrepreneurs with the development of the clinical, technical and business elements of their product and company. Uniquely, Paratus is able to connect innovators with study sites to support their solutions.
Submission process
Preliminary application
Complete the preliminary application by January 15, 2026.
Invitation to submit
Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals, including milestones and budgets, by February 2026.
Notification of acceptance
The first round of awards will be announced in June 2026.
Non-dilutive funding awards
Milestone-based funding and program services begin in summer 2026.
Non-dilutive funding opportunities
TECHNOLOGIES OF INTEREST
Across these areas, we are interested in digital health solutions that can support preparedness, health readiness and mobilization.
Examples include, but are not limited to: Wearable biosensors that can help with the detection, triage or monitoring of emerging infectious diseases.
MILESTONE-BASED FUNDING
- Funding between $50,000-$200,000 and projects that range from six to 12 weeks.
Funds can be used to:
- Advance technologies currently in development to the next milestone and value inflection points
- Engage a study site to complete validation work
- Increase access, reduce cost and more rapidly deploy medical countermeasures
- Advance platforms in development to improve clinical research and clinical care coordination
SELECTION CRITERIA
We will evaluate submissions with the following criteria in mind:
- Ability to clearly articulate the problem statement
- Demonstration of the quality, feasibility and scalability of proposed solution
- Differentiation of solution within the competitive landscape
- Capability of participant to develop and execute the solution
- Fit to BARDA’s mission
Study examples
We recognize that reaching the next inflection point requires answering key questions for many companies, ranging from clinical and business-related to product- and platform-specific. Paratus has both expert mentors and study site partners available to help answer these questions.
Each engagement should be detailed as part of the full proposal, if invited. Explore study pathway examples.
Study-site matching: Work with health systems or other established partners
We have an established group of partners that will accept studies as part of the Paratus programs. This group of health system partners can be leveraged to conduct specific studies. If you are a company with specific needs, we can help you find a match and take your solution to this network; the cost for engagement will be incorporated into the study’s funding.
Benefits of participation
Startups and studies will receive non-dilutive funding to complete a time-bound development, evaluation or validation study around their concept. Additional benefits of participation include the following:
- Receive project management support and regular mentoring from subject matter experts over the award duration
- Receive mentorship from industry leaders and subject matter experts
- Gain exposure to the MATTER community
- Present to potential investors, partners and clients
Timeline
Who should apply?
We’re seeking entrepreneurs and university-backed researchers who are developing digital health solutions that will empower the nation to prepare for and respond to health security threats and improve the continuum of clinical care.
This global call for solutions is open to startups from across the innovation ecosystem with an established proof of concept, evidence of product-market fit and business model potential.
This program is conducted virtually.
See the full Terms and Conditions.
Explore more opportunities with Paratus
The Paratus Digital Health Accelerator program is seeking to accelerate digital health tools that enhance preparedness and response to public health emergencies due to:
1. Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats
2. Pandemic influenza
3. Emerging infectious diseases
About MATTER
At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 1,000 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together we are accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit matter.health and follow @MATTERhealth.
The BARDA Accelerator Network
The BARDA Accelerator Network aims to provide comprehensive support to health security innovators, startups and BARDA portfolio companies through wrap-around accelerator services, technical and business/commercialization expertise, and resources. The network will facilitate the rapid development, evaluation, validation and commercialization of medical countermeasures.
