The FY2025 Flash Grant Cycle 2, overseen by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, provides targeted funding to North Carolina-based universities and nonprofit research organizations for early-stage research projects with transformative potential in the life sciences. This cycle focuses on innovative projects related to sleep, hibernation, and the biological effects of space travel, with potential applications in areas like circadian biology, sleep disorders, and physiological responses to microgravity. Applicants must apply by December 4, 2024, at noon, with awards announced in March 2025.

Eligible projects may request up to $30,000 for a one-year duration, with the possibility of an additional $7,500 supplement for non-R1 institutions to support undergraduate interns. The funding process is competitive, with awards provided in two installments: an initial 75% disbursement followed by the remaining 25% upon submission and approval of a final report.

Applications should address a significant unmet need, have clear, measurable objectives, and demonstrate the potential for high-impact results or further investment. To ensure eligibility, the principal investigator must hold a permanent full-time position in a qualifying institution, while companies, individuals, and adjunct or temporary faculty are excluded. Notably, projects should ideally produce initial proof-of-concept data or final experiments to transition from basic to translational research.

Application materials include a cover sheet, technical proposal, budget form, and relevant documentation such as biosketches, support letters, and quotes for high-cost items. Applications must be submitted through the NCBiotech Fluxx portal. For questions or clarifications, applicants are encouraged to contact program staff at NCBiotech.