Advancing Academic Discoveries in Neuroscience. Together.
The SPARK NS Translational Research Program eliminates barriers to success.
We fill gaps in knowledge and know-how
We bring academic researchers together to learn from their peers and industry experts and put aside competing interests for the benefit of patients.
OurProgram
All the resources you need
Our program helps academic principal investigators advance therapeutic discoveries at any stage between target identification and entry into clinical trials.
OurProgramUp to $2,000,0001 in milestone-based funding
Advice from 90+ industry expert advisors
In-person and online education in drug development
Participation in a collaborative community
Post-program support
A model that works
The SPARK NS program uses a translational research model with an unprecedented 50%3 success rate developed, refined, and used since 2006.
OurProgram
The SPARK NS Translational Research Program
SPARK NS is no longer accepting applications for the 2027 Cohort of our translational research program. Finalists will be notified in September 2026 with finalist presentations to be held in October 2026. We will release an open Call for Proposals for the 2028 Cohort in the spring of 2027.
Learn More- 1.
Not all funds awarded go directly to PIs’ laboratories. For example, work done by contract research organizations or academic research facilities will be paid for by SPARK NS directly to the organizations from awarded funds.
- 2.
Kim, J.S., Kargotich, S., Lee, S.H. et al. SPARKing academic technologies across the valley of death. Nature Biotechnology 42, 339–342 (2024).