Overview
We invite companies and academic innovators to apply for non-dilutive funding awards up to $200,000.
This funding supports proof-of-concept studies focused on 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
Application
Submit web application, project SOW and pitch deck via the online portal by January 15, 2027.
Interview
Shortlisted teams invited to participate in a deep dive session around their proposed projects in March 2027.
Award selection
Negotiations with potential awardees and decisions on final awards spring/June 2027.
Program begins
Milestone-based funding and program services begin (up to 6 months) summer 2027.
Technologies of interest
Field-deployable tools for detection of infection or injury due to radiological or nuclear incidents:
Early-stage devices, sensors or other diagnostic technologies for rapid detection of infection or injury, including internal hemorrhage and burn wounds, in field settings or austere environments.
Technologies should enable early identification of physiological or biochemical indicators to support earlier triage and intervention following radiological or nuclear incidents.
Advanced algorithms for radiological injury assessment and decision support:
High-fidelity algorithmic tools that integrate physiologic, clinical or sensor-derived data to improve assessment and management of radiological injury. Areas of interest include:
- Non-invasive blood pressure monitoring during permissive hypotension
- Precision monitoring of physiological reserve and resuscitation end points (e.g. levels of oxygen debt, state of oxidation-reduction or coagulation)
- Rapid assessment of presence or severity of radiation-induced injury
Data-driven tools for clinical trial readiness and recruitment:
Early-stage tools and approaches that leverage data analytics, real-world data, predictive modeling or other computational methods to accelerate clinical study start-up and improve trial efficiency across indications relevant to BARDA’s mission. Areas of interest include:
- Identification and prioritization of clinical sites based on patient population, infrastructure, performance history and operational readiness to conduct trials
- Rapid identification and enhanced screening of potentially eligible clinical trial participants
Novel digital health solutions for health security preparedness and response:
Digital health tools that strengthen the nation’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from public health emergencies and health security threats.
This is an open topic intended to surface novel and promising solutions that fall outside the specific focus areas above but align with BARDA’s mission to advance medical countermeasures and improve the continuum of clinical care.
Milestone-based funding: What can funds support?
We are awarding funding up to $200,000 per project and up to six months in duration.
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
Benefits of participation
Startups and projects 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 and industry leaders over the award duration
- Gain exposure to the MATTER community
- Present to potential investors, partners and clients
Timeline
Gain of function research
This funding opportunity does not support gain of function research or research that involves the manipulation of pathogens resulting in potential gain of function. Proposals will be evaluated for the appropriate use of strain(s) in proposed studies.
Frequently asked questions
Who should apply?
We’re seeking companies and academic innovators 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 organizations from across the innovation ecosystem with strong concepts, initial product-market fit and business model potential.
How is the program conducted?
This program is conducted virtually.
What are the 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
What support is available during the program?
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.
What health systems do you work with for study-site matching? What do they do?
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.
Can I submit more than one project concept?
Applications are limited to one per team.
My concept isn’t an exact match for the areas of interest. Can I still apply?
Yes. We accept novel digital health solutions for health security preparedness and response, which can encompass many solutions.
I missed the deadline. Can I still apply?
We have a rolling application process. For companies that have missed the structured application window, you can submit concepts via the always on application, found here.
What are examples of the types of projects I can do?
Explore study pathway examples.
What are the Terms and Conditions?
See the full Terms and Conditions.
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.
