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Glossary Term
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Grant Funding

Definition

Grant funding refers to non-dilutive financial support provided to organizations, including medical device startups, to advance research, development, or commercialization efforts. Unlike equity funding or loans, grants do not require repayment or equity in the recipient’s company. In the MedTech industry, grants are a critical source of capital, particularly in early-stage development.

Relevance to the MedTech Industry

Grant funding allows MedTech startups to develop innovative medical devices without diluting ownership or incurring debt. It supports key milestones, such as prototype development, clinical trials, and regulatory submissions, while demonstrating validation and credibility to potential investors.

Additional Information & Related Terms

Common Grants for MedTech Startups in the U.S.

  1. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

    • Federal program providing grants for R&D with commercial potential.

    • Administered by agencies like the NIH, NSF, and DoD.

    • Offers Phase I (feasibility) and Phase II (development) funding.

  2. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program

    • Similar to SBIR but requires collaboration with a research institution.

    • Encourages academic-industry partnerships for technology transfer.

  3. NIH Grants

    • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers grants for biomedical and healthcare innovations.

    • Specific programs like the NIBIB support medical devices and diagnostics.

  4. BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority)

    • Provides grants for innovations addressing public health emergencies, including medical devices for infectious diseases and trauma care.

  5. NSF PFI-TT (Partnerships for Innovation - Technology Translation)

    • Supports the translation of scientific innovations into commercial technologies, including MedTech.

  6. DOD CDMRP (Department of Defense - Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs)

    • Offers grants for medical technologies aimed at improving military health and care.

  7. State and Regional Grants

    • Many states offer MedTech-focused grant programs, such as the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) grants or California's CalSEED program.

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