The Translational Research Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Science (TRIBES) and the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) are opening a request for applications (RFA) for a translational research seed grant opportunity with the goals of:

• Fostering collaboration between Georgia Tech and the GTRI investigators with the focus of healthcare needs.
• Promoting the rapid transfer of new knowledge and inventions based on that knowledge to the commercial sector.
• Translating technologies that are at a basic science/research phase into a prototype, “Coulter-ready” grant proposal.

This type of project is one where sufficient basic research has been done to indicate a technology has commercialization potential but before committing to a commercialization path, a focused proof of concept study is needed. The intent of the seed grant program is to develop a research initiative built upon strong collaborations between faculty at Georgia Tech and investigators at the GTRI.

Funding will be $25,000 direct costs per pilot project, available for one year. Up to three pilot projects will be awarded with funding on July 1, 2011 and funds must be spent within the fiscal year (i.e., by June 30, 2012).

There is no limitation on topics that can be addressed through this funding mechanism. However, successful applications must demonstrate that the problem to be studied is of significance to healthcare and that the project is translational.

Multiple principle investigators are permitted. Projects that facilitate collaborative partnerships between GT and GTRI researchers are strongly encouraged. Proposals are due by May 2, 2011 and funding decisions will be announced by June 1, 2011.

Format for Submissions
Please submit a PDF version of the application that includes the following: 1. Cover Page: Should include title of proposal, PI(s) contact information and institution affiliations and total amount requested. 2. A 2-page, single-spaced, Arial 11 or Times 12 font, 1” margin scientific plan document that provides the following:

• Specific Aims
• Background and Significance Be sure to include in this section the significance of the problem under study to health.
• Experimental Design and Methods
• Commercialization Plan
• Line Item Budget for the proposed project 
• NIH-format Biosketch for Principal Investigators

Other Guidelines
Please submit your application via e-mail to Maribel Baker (Maribel.baker@bme.gatech.edu) as a single PDF file on or before Monday, May 2, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

Key Dates:

• Deadline for Submission: May 2, 2011 
• Announcement of Funding Decisions: by June 1, 2011 
• Funding Period: July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 
• Project Report Due by: June 1, 2012.

Contact Information:
Barbara Boyan Director, TRIBES barbara.boyan@bme.gatech.edu Ph: 404-385-4108
Dennis Fold Chief Scientist, GTRI dennis.folds@gtri.gatech.edu Ph: (404) 407-7262
Maribel Baker Program Manager, TRIBES maribel.baker@bme.gatech.edu Ph: 404-385-0247