Audience: This webinar is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) program (RFA-OD-14-005), which is designed to facilitate and accelerate the translation of biomedical innovations into commercial products that improve patient care and enhance health. Eligible institutions include higher education institutions and other non-profit research institutions that have participated in the NIH Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.

Purpose:

The REACH Hubs will provide qualified institutions with the initial investment and resources to nurture innovators to develop high priority early-stage technologies within the NIH's mission by providing:

1. Infrastructure for identifying the most promising technologies,
2. Funding for product definition studies (e.g. feasibility studies, prototype development, or proof-of-concept studies),
3. Coordinated access to expertise in areas required for early stage technology development (including scientific, regulatory, reimbursement, business, legal, and project management), and
4. Skills development and hands-on experience in entrepreneurism.  

Day:  Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Time:  3:00 - 4:30pm Eastern Daylight Time

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the REACH funding solicitation RFA-OD-14-005. You may also check the webinar recording or transcript for answers to commonly asked questions.

1) Is the REACH Hub required to only fund technologies that have previously received NIH funding?

The REACH Hub may fund technologies that were developed with other funds as long as they fit within the NIH mission.

2) Is there a list of participating REACH hubs?

This is the first iteration of the REACH Hubs funding opportunity, so there are no existing awardees.

3) Can you please clarify which institutions are eligible?

Eligible institutions include:
Higher Education Institutions

• Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
• Private Institutions of Higher Education

The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:

• Hispanic-serving Institutions
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
• Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions

Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)

Applicants must be a university or other research institution that participates in the NIH STTR program. Participation means that a university or other research institution has been a formal partner to a small business on an STTR grant. Many NIH-supported universities or other research institutions will be eligible. Please contact Kurt Marek, PhD (kurt.marek@nih.gov) for more information.

Please see the Guide Notice (NOT-OD-14-087) clarifying eligibility.

Small businesses are not eligible to apply.

4) What is the required disease scope of REACH Hubs? Does it have to include any technology within the NIH mission or can it be focused narrowly on a subset of diseases or technologies?

The RFA does not specify a disease scope for the REACH Hubs, but this is a trans-NIH FOA.

Reasonable Accommodations:

• Captioning provided during the webinar in English. A transcript will be posted on this page within 3-5 days following the event.

Contacts:

• Questions? Email Kurt W. Marek, Ph.D. with the NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at kurt.marek@nih.gov.

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