The Awards Supporting Cutting-Edge Technologies for Translational Science (ASCETTS) program, sponsored by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), aims to fund the development of innovative technologies to overcome bottlenecks in translational science, with a particular focus on therapeutic development. This program seeks high-risk, high-reward, early-stage proof-of-concept projects that address significant barriers or inefficiencies in therapeutic development and translational research processes. The technologies should have broad, disease-agnostic applications rather than focusing on a single disease.

The ASCETTS program supports projects that propose transformative solutions with the potential to advance translational science through new platforms, tools, algorithms, or approaches. Examples include synthetic biology tools, drug delivery platforms, biomarker or diagnostic development technologies, and data-driven solutions such as computational models or large-scale data mining tools. Projects should emphasize developing and/or prototyping technologies to improve efficiency in therapeutic development. Applications must focus on technology creation rather than addressing biological mechanisms or conducting clinical studies, as clinical trials are not allowed under this program.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, small businesses, for-profit organizations, local and state governments, and tribal organizations. Foreign organizations and components of U.S. institutions are not eligible. Applicants must complete all required registrations, including SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons, prior to submission. Individual applicants should demonstrate the necessary expertise and resources to carry out the proposed research successfully.

The ASCETTS program offers up to $275,000 in direct costs for a two-year project period, with no more than $200,000 allocated in a single year. The budget and project scope must align with the development of early-stage technologies capable of attracting further support or investment. Required attachments include a feasibility plan, a validation plan to outline testing strategies, and future plans describing how the technology will be further developed to bring it to market.

Applications will be reviewed based on their significance, innovation, approach, and feasibility. Reviewers will assess the potential impact of the proposed technology in improving the translational science process, the novelty of the approach, and its likelihood of being integrated into therapeutic development pipelines. Proposals must demonstrate clear milestones, a robust experimental strategy, and well-defined objectives achievable within the two-year timeframe.

Applications are due by June 19, 2025, with a single review cycle. Peer reviews will occur in October 2025, with funding decisions announced by January 2026, and projects starting as early as April 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals early to address any submission errors before the deadline. For additional information, scientific and administrative contacts at NCATS are available to assist with inquiries.

This funding opportunity is ideal for investigators proposing groundbreaking technologies that address critical gaps or inefficiencies in the therapeutic development process. Successful projects will advance beyond proof-of-concept to a stage where they can secure additional funding or partnerships for further development and eventual market introduction.