MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH R&D GRANT PROGRAM
The application period for the program has closed.
The Maternal and Infant R&D Grant Program is a $750,000 pilot program. Eligible applicants can apply for vouchers up to $75,000 to support innovation on developing technology, therapeutics, and other solutions to address maternal and infant health challenges in New Jersey. The grant will engage early-stage innovation-based companies in New Jersey and help to accelerate research and development of technologies, transforming new discoveries from research stage into commercially viable products and services.
Investing in research and new technologies strengthens our families by ensuring the health and safety of mothers and their babies. I’m thrilled the Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program will advance our work to end racial disparities by funding New Jersey companies committed to supporting maternal and infant health through innovation.
-New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The goal of the Maternal and Infant Health R&D Grant Program is to support innovation from researchers and entrepreneurs focused on developing technology, therapeutics, and other solutions to address maternal and infant health challenges in New Jersey. The grant will engage early-stage innovation-based companies in NJ to accelerate research and development of technologies to transform new discoveries from research stage into commercially viable products and services that impact maternal and infant health. The grant funds support the R&D development of technologies, products and services that enhances the quality of care and service delivery activities to women, infants, and healthcare agencies. The program focuses on outcomes that increase positive health outcomes throughout the Continuity of Care Stage: Prenatal through Postpartum.
The objectives of the program are to:
- support innovation from researchers and entrepreneurs focused on developing technology, therapeutics, and other solutions to address maternal and infant health challenges from prenatal to 12 months postpartum; and
- engage early-stage innovation-based companies in NJ to accelerate research and development of technologies to transform new discoveries from research stage into commercially viable products and services that impact maternal and infant health
- Life Sciences – (e.g., therapeutic drug development, medical device)
- Technology (e.g., digital and telehealth services and platform development, mental health services)
- Food and beverage (non-retail)
Eligible applicants can propose a project of up to one year in duration and with a maximum budget of $75,000.
Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with awards going to the highest scoring applicants provided the minimum score is met.
Each approved grant will be valid for a period of 12 months (starting from date of the execution of the grant agreement). Any unused approved grant amounts will be cancelled after the 12 month period and returned to the program budget for future use.
ELIGIBILTY CRITERIA
All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria at the time of submission and throughout the application review period:
- Authorized and in good standing to conduct business in New Jersey as evidenced by a current New Jersey tax clearance certificate (listing New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology). All certificates listing another state agency will be rejected.
- Have no more than 25 full-time equivalent workers (FTE calculated on a 35-hour work week) at time of application.
- Have a minimum of one (1) full-time worker (35 hours work week. A founder can be counted as a worker; a worker may be paid or unpaid.
- 50% or more of the cumulative hours worked by all workers, founders, and contractors must be conducted in NJ (calculated on an FTE basis – 35 hrs. per week).
- Have less than or equal to one million dollars ($1,000,000) in 2021 calendar year sales revenue.
Eligible Uses
The grant funding can be utilized to maintain R&D activities and cover general operating costs.
Ineligible Uses
The grant funding cannot be utilized for the following
- Direct counseling and clinical service projects
- Manufacturing of products for sale or commercial use
- Real estate rental expenses
- Patient clinical trial expenses
- Construction costs
AWARD SIZE
Eligible applicants can receive grant awards of up to $75,000.