BRAIN Initiative: Next-Generation Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human Central Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)

Summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the BRAIN Initiative, is soliciting applications for the development of next-generation devices capable of recording and modulating neural activity in the human central nervous system. The funding mechanism is a UG3/UH3 phased award structure, where UG3 represents an initial milestone-driven planning phase and UH3 is the subsequent implementation phase. Clinical trials are optional under this opportunity. The goal is to advance neurotechnology beyond current state-of-the-art capabilities for human CNS applications.

What they want

How they evaluate

Risks & flags

• Rolling/extended close date through 09/28/2026 may indicate multiple submission windows — applicants should check for specific due dates in the full FOA
• No dollar value or award ceiling disclosed in the synopsis, making competitive budget scoping difficult
• Highly specialized scope (next-gen human CNS devices) may naturally limit the competitive pool to a small number of well-funded academic medical centers or established neurotech research groups