The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has reissued the NIA Research and Entrepreneurial Development Immersion (REDI): Entrepreneurship Enhancement Award (R25) funding opportunity (FOA number: PAR-22-226). This program aims to support educational activities designed to broaden the entrepreneurial and business skills of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists, particularly those involved in aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. It is intended to complement formal training programs by preparing participants for careers that span beyond traditional research roles, with a focus on entrepreneurship and commercialization in biomedical fields.

The REDI program will fund educational courses and activities that teach skills essential for entrepreneurship, such as scientific communication, intellectual property management, regulatory affairs, business development, and venture finance. It also encourages partnerships between scientific and business departments, offering participants internships, shadowing opportunities, and mentoring to bridge academic research and business development. Participants will receive training to better navigate the commercialization process, thus broadening their career options.

NIA anticipates committing $1.8 million annually, with individual awards capped at $250,000 in direct costs per year for up to five years. A total of 8 to 10 awards are expected. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, and other U.S. entities, though foreign institutions and components are not eligible. Institutions are encouraged to propose unique program structures that leverage existing resources and collaborations. Programs must align with NIA's mission, particularly in aging and AD-related research, and must offer entrepreneurial training alongside traditional research education.

Applications are due annually, with upcoming deadlines in October 2023 and October 2024. Applications must be submitted electronically via NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov, or an institutional system-to-system solution, and must comply with the SF424 (R&R) application guide. A letter of intent is not required but encouraged. The program requires a detailed Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity, a structured evaluation plan, and a dissemination plan for any outcomes or educational materials developed through the program.