Programs
The SPARK NS Translational Research Program provides projects at any stage of development between target identification and entry into clinical trials with all the resources needed to advance from discovery to the clinic.
Program Overview
PIs of selected projects and their research teams are grouped into cohorts and meet to pose questions and challenges, solve problems, and learn from industry expert advisors, SPARK NS staff, and one another.
Participation as a cohort in confidential sessions significantly improves the chances that projects will progress from discovery to clinical trials or commercial licensing. The support each project receives varies depending on its stage of development and the skillsets and experience of project research teams.
Program Components
We provide all the resources you need to advance your project from lab to clinic.
Funding
$2,000,0001 over two years
Education
Training and skills development
Mentorship
75+ industry expert advisors
Networking
Opportunities and introductions
What Makes Our Program Different
The SPARK NS program uses a proven model for translational research developed and refined since 2006. The model has an exceptional 50%2 success rate at advancing discoveries through the translational phase.
Comprehensive Program
SPARK NS uniquely combines funding, education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to ensure that each project meets its translational research objectives.
Expertise
SPARK NS does not expect PIs applying to the program or their team members to have all the necessary experience and skills required to translate their research and provides missing expertise.
Collaboration
PIs and team members in the SPARK NS program are grouped into cohorts and collaborate with their peers and industry expert advisors.
Milestone-based funding
Funding awarded through SPARK NS is dispersed based on milestones identified in a development plan jointly created by SPARK NS and PIs after a project has been selected.
No IP Rights or Financial Stakes
SPARK NS does not claim ownership of any IP rights or take any financial stake in commercial products developed prior or during the program.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated on three main criteria:
Unmet Need
Addresses an unmet clinical need
Robust Approach
Uses a robust and novel approach
High probability of success
High probability of achieving objectives in two years
SPARK NS Program Projects
Each year, SPARK NS issues a Call for Proposals inviting applications to the SPARK NS Translational Research Program, which is dedicated to helping academic principal investigators (PIs) advance their discoveries in Parkinson’s disease or autism from the lab to the clinic. Participation in a program cohort lasts two years, during which each project receives the resources and support needed to achieve their translational objectives. For information about PIs and their projects in our 2025 and 2024 cohorts, visit our Selected Projects page.
Learn more aboutprojects
SPARK NS 2025 Translational Research Program
SPARK NS is no longer accepting applications for this program. We will release a Call for Proposals for our 2026 program in April 2025.
Sign up for updates- 1.
Not all funds awarded go directly to PIs’ laboratories. For example, work done by vetted 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).