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The BARDA Accelerator Network Hub for Medical Devices and Diagnostics

Non-Dilutive Funding Solicitation

Accelerating the Development of Medical Devices and Diagnostics

Are you working on groundbreaking diagnostics or medical device countermeasures that address public health? I-CREATE is part of a global network of accelerator hubs that provide product development funding, accelerator services, and access to expertise for innovators developing health security solutions.

Startups and university-backed projects worldwide can apply for non-dilutive funding ranging from $50K to $200K. This funding supports the development, evaluation, or validation of innovative solutions aligned with BARDA’s mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and health security. I-CREATE supports the development and acceleration of novel diagnostics and medical devices to detect, prevent, or respond to medical consequences that result from health security threats.

Focus areas of interest include new and novel approaches for the detection and diagnosis of pathogens and consequences of biological threats in BARDA’s mission space. Examples of technologies we’re excited to fund:

  • Pathogen agnostic approaches

  • Lab at home

  • Rapid and accurate tests

  • Low-cost tests

  • Simple and user-friendly sampling approaches (i.e. breath)

  • More equitable and accessible innovations

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How to Apply

Preliminary Application

Applications are now open for consideration for the 2026 Cohort

Invitation to Submit

Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals, including milestones and budgets by November 2025

Notification of Acceptance

The first round of Awards will be announced by the end of December 2025

Awards

Funding and program services begin in January 2026

Research A 5 2021-resized

Apply to the I-CREATE
Non-Dilutive Funding Solicitation

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply

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Research A 5 2021-resized

Program Features

$50K to $200K in Funding

I-CREATE provides non-dilutive funding, through milestone-based awards from $50K to $200K, over the 6-month program period. Funds may be used for proof-of-concept and reaching other value inflection points.

Accelerator Services

Entrepreneurship education combined with technical and business expertise will empower participants to explore customer discovery, financial planning, IP strategy, product development, regulatory pathways, and go-to-market strategies.

Tailored Mentorship & Advisors

Selected companies will receive 1:1 mentorship in regulatory affairs, quality systems, clinical strategy, market access, and business development to position their innovation for successful fundraising and commercialization.

Access to Funding Opportunities

Gain direct access to federal agency representatives and investors, with opportunities to build lasting relationships and continue the conversation for future funding and commercialization support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who's eligible?
  • Diagnostics and Medical Device platforms technologies aligned with BARDA’s mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and health security.

  • Seeking applicants from all over the world!

Foreign Owned Influence: the Awardee shall not have, and shall ensure that affiliates, Sub-awardees and DEV Project Sub-awardees do not have foreign investment capital/interests from USG prohibited sources list of embargoed and sanctioned countries, as defined by U.S. Departments of Treasury and Commerce.

What is I-CREATE looking for?

I-CREATE is seeking proposals for the development of innovative diagnostic and medical device innovations, in alignment with BARDA’s mission to promote health security. Innovators are invited to submit proposals for funding to allow:

  • Demonstration of proof-of-concept for a BARDA-relevant use case for an existing platform technology.
  • Demonstration of proof-of-concept for “high-risk” breakthrough technologies.
  • Advancement of technologies currently in development to the next value inflection point.
What is the application and program timeline?

Submit your applications by August to be considered for the 2026 cohort of I-CREATE. Applications will remain open for future cohorts.

To view a Word Document of the application click here.

2026 Cohort Timeline

  • Notification and invitation to submit funding proposals: November 2025
  • Funding proposal submission period: November 2025
  • Virtual interviews and/or supplemental questions: November - December 2025
  • Final I-CREATE Cohort Selection + Onboarding: 2026

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