The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is offering funding through the "STTR Solutions to Enable Population Genomic Screening (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Optional)" initiative (Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-24-262). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant aims to support small businesses in developing and commercializing innovative solutions that enable population genomic screening, particularly for common, actionable genomic conditions in primary care settings. The funding is designed to help businesses create technologies or services that facilitate population-wide genomic screening and overcome barriers in implementation, such as administrative hurdles, provider education, and follow-up care.

The program is structured in two phases. Phase I focuses on establishing the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed research, while Phase II continues research and development, advancing the technology toward commercialization. A Fast-Track option is available, allowing applicants to submit and review Phase I and Phase II applications simultaneously to minimize delays between phases. The maximum budget allowed is $400,000 for Phase I and $2,150,000 for Phase II, with project periods of up to 1 year for Phase I and up to 2 years for Phase II.

Eligible applicants are United States small business concerns (SBCs), which must meet specific requirements, including being majority-owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program encourages collaboration between small businesses and research institutions, with a minimum of 40% of research efforts by the small business and 30% by the partnering research institution in Phase I and Phase II.

Key dates for the program include an opening submission date of November 1, 2024, with a letter of intent due by November 2, 2024. Applications are due on December 2, 2024, and the earliest anticipated start date for awarded projects is July 2025.