ASCEND 2.0, a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded initiative dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the biomedical field, is proud to announce its 2024-25 cohort of innovators selected to participate in the IDeA Regional Entrepreneurship Development (I-RED) Program. The program aims to bridge the gap between research discoveries and improved healthcare outcomes by empowering scientists and entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and funding needed to bring their groundbreaking ideas to fruition. This year's cohort includes 10 innovators from academic institutions across the western IDeA states. These individuals were selected based on their projects' scientific rigor, commercial feasibility, and potential impact...

We are excited to share the success of our ASCEND2.0 Technology Commercialization Workshop held on August 22, 2024, at the University of Wyoming. This full-day event was packed with hands-on assessments, market analysis, IP strategies, licensing techniques, and effective pitching—providing attendees with the essential skills and knowledge to bring their innovations to market. The Bureau of Mines Conference Room at the University of Wyoming was the perfect venue for a day filled with insightful discussions and practical learning. The event brought together a dynamic group of participants eager to explore the latest in technology commercialization. We would like to extend a special...

The ASCEND2.0 (I-RED West) program has officially launched its 2024 Call for Proposals, inviting innovators to submit pilot projects aimed at advancing new biomedical technologies with significant commercial potential. ASCEND2.0 is dedicated to bridging the gap between NIH-funded research and real-world patient outcomes by equipping biomedical entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and training needed to succeed in the competitive healthcare market. Proposals are being sought from academic institutions in the western IDeA states that have developed biomedical innovations with the potential to transform healthcare. To be eligible, innovations must have been disclosed to the applicant's Technology Transfer Office (TTO), with a...

The SBIR Contracts Solicitation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (PHS-2025-1) has been released. Participants from NIH: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)National Cancer Institute (NCI)National Institute on Aging (NIA)National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NAIAD)National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)Participants from the CDC: National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Disease (NCEZID)National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) Applicants should review the specific need areas (Contract Topics), view the solicitation (PHS-2025-1), and learn about the differences...

There are several new opportunities for funding available with applications due in the fourth quarter of 2024 including those from NIH, NINDs and NIDA. The PHS 2024-2 omnibus solicitations of the NIH, CDC, and FDA for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications have been released. There are four Omnibus Solicitations: PA-24-245: PHS 2024-2 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC and FDA for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial Not Allowed).PA-24-246: PHS 2024-2 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH and CDC for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial...