Bioengineering, Biomedical Imaging, and Technology Development - SBIR/STTR

The Funding Goals of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) are to support the development and integration of advanced biomedical imaging, bioengineering, sensing and computational technologies for the improvement of

To support hypothesis-, design-, technology-, or device-driven research related to the discovery, design, development, validation, and application of technologies for biomedical imaging and bioengineering. The program includes biomaterials (biomimetics, bioprocessing, organogenesis, rehabilitation, tissue engineering, implant science, material science, interface science, physics and stress engineering, technology assessment of materials/devices), biosensors/biotransducers (technology development, technology assessment, development of algorithms, telemetry), nanotechnology (nanoscience, biomimetics, drug delivery systems, drug bioavailability, microarray/combinatorial technology, genetic engineering, computer science, technology assessment), bioinformatics (computer science, information science, mathematics, biomechanics, computational modeling and simulation, remote diagnosis and therapy), imaging device development, biomedical imaging technology development, contrast agents, informatics and computer sciences related to imaging, molecular and cellular imaging, bioelectrics/biomagnetics, organ and whole body imaging, screening for diseases and disorders, and imaging technology assessment and surgery (technique development and technology development).

Grantee agrees to administer the grant in accordance with the regulations and policies governing the research grant programs of the Public Health Service as stated in the terms and conditions on the application for the grant. SBIR Phase I grants (of approximately 6-months' duration) are to establish the technical merit and feasibility of a proposed research effort that may lead to a commercial product or process. Phase II grants are for the continuation of the research initiated in Phase I and which are likely to result in commercial products or processes. STTR Phase I grants (normally of 1- year duration) are to determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility of the proposed cooperative effort that has potential for commercial application. Phase II funding is based on results of research initiated in Phase I and scientific and technical merit and commercial potential on Phase II application.

All accepted applications are reviewed for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate initial review group and by a national advisory council.

Applications are evaluated for scientific and technical merit by peer review panels convened by the NIH Center for Scientific Review, resulting in written critiques and an overall impact score. Applications then undergo second-level review by the NIBIB National Advisory Council, which advises on scientific merit, relevance to the NIBIB mission, portfolio balance, and public health priorities. Following Council review, final approval authority rests with the NIBIB Institute Director, who makes funding decisions based on peer review results, Council and Institute staff recommendations, program priorities, and the availability of appropriated funds. Once an application is selected for funding, NIBIB staff coordinate with the applicant to complete Just-in-Time requirements, including verification of human subjects, animal use, and other regulatory assurances as applicable. NIBIB Grants Management Officers then review the application for administrative, financial, and policy compliance and are responsible for issuing the Notice of Award (NoA).

Determined as part of the NOFO