T2 Translational Research on Aging: Small Business Innovation Awards (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Optional)

Background

The involvement of small businesses in translational aging research could hasten the pace at which scientific advances are transformed into commercial products to improve or maintain the health and functional independence of older adults.  Therefore, this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is intended to support innovative research conducted by small businesses to advance the availability of novel devices, products, health care practices and programs with the potential for commercial success and the likelihood to benefit the lives of older adults. 

For the purposes of this FOA, T2 translational research on aging involves the development or evaluation of methods for disseminating (1) results from clinical studies into everyday clinical practice and health decision-making in geriatric medicine (e.g., adapting an efficacious intervention for application in clinical practice and in the community), (2) results from large scale behavioral and community interventions into practice in community organizations, workplaces, and public institutions, and (3) development of new technologies for enhancing research productivity in aging research.  Research activities related to T2 translational research could include data-mining for developing new educational materials, or to inform new health care practices in geriatric medicine and community programs for older adults.

Applicants interested in proposing translational research projects related to the development of new strategies for prevention and treatment of age-related pathologies should refer to the companion SBIR FOA for T1 research (PAR-18-183). 

Research Objectives Eligible small businesses are encouraged to submit grant applications (Phase I, Phase II and Fast Track SBIR applications) proposing to develop and deliver technologies or products appropriate to the needs of older adults and to clinicians responsible for their care. 

T2 translational topics of interest include :

• Development and translation of behavioral economics approaches (incentives or disincentives) to motivate sustainable behavior change to improve health and well-being.
• Development of socially assistive robotics applications to aid the aging population.
• Development of cognitive training applications/intervention to improve cognitive function in the aging population.
• Development of assistive technology to improve health and reduce occupational hazards for direct care workers and unpaid caregivers in home and institutional settings
• Develop and evaluate new tools for the assessment and/or management of persons with multiple chronic conditions (2 or more health conditions that last a year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living) that move beyond a disease-driven approach to support health and person-driven goals.  This could include (but need not be limited to) prevention strategies, electronic health record applications, and/or health system approaches or integration. 
• Development of new technologies for in home use or for coordination or delivery of services to sustain in-home living for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Examples include systems and devices to: evaluate, monitor and improve or adapt to changes in cognition; improve health service delivery; prolong functional independence; support independent living and the conduct of everyday tasks at home; provide information to health care providers and family members with which to evaluate the need for intervention; and promote communication and interaction between individuals living in the community or in institutional settings and their health care providers, friends and family members.

See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.