Call for Proposals

SPARK NS supports translational research projects at any stage of development between target identification and entry into clinical trials. Our program focuses on autism and Parkinson's disease.

Selected projects receive up to $2,000,000 in milestone-based funding over the two-year period of participation, including discretionary funding for PIs of $50,000 per year. Remaining funds are dispersed based on development plans jointly created for each selected project by the project PI and SPARK NS. Not all funds awarded necessarily go to a PI’s laboratory. For example, funds for work done by vetted contracted research organizations or academic research facilities are paid by SPARK NS directly to these organizations.

The SPARK NS program provides PIs and research teams with milestone-based funding, advice from industry expert advisors, in-person and online education in translational research and drug development, participation in a confidential community, and post-program support. The program uses a proven model for translational research developed, refined, and used since 2006. The model has an exceptional 50%³ success rate at advancing promising academic discoveries through the translational research phase as measured by three criteria: advancing projects to clinical trials; licensing to an existing company; obtaining independent investment to start a biotech company.

SPARK NS accepts applications for the SPARK NS Translational Research Program from principal investigators with projects focused on developing therapeutics for autism, Parkinson’s disease, and adjacent disorders at academic or nonprofit research institutions in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe. We only accept projects that include diagnostics if they are in support of a proposed therapeutic. We do not accept projects aimed at developing medical devices at this time. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive research environment. Applicants from all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.

Each application for the SPARK NS program must be completed by a single principal investigator who holds a laboratory head position at a nonprofit academic or research institution. The PI is the responsible person for all program activities and requirements. The PI may name up to three co-investigators from their own or collaborating institutions. The PI may also list on the application an unlimited number of researchers as project team members, including post-doctoral fellows, senior scientists, and students.

Yes, principal investigators can submit more than one application. If you have an idea for a project that applies to both autism and Parkinson’s disease, submit two applications.

Scientists who are generally familiar with relevant experimental methods and the subject matter, industry leaders with expertise in the various stages of the development and commercialization of therapeutics, and SPARK NS initially screen written applications for program fit. Finalists are chosen from the pool of applicants and present virtually to a Selection Committee.

SPARK NS has 90+ industry expert advisors with extensive experience and domain knowledge in every aspect of therapeutic discovery and development from the lab to the clinic, and specific diseases and conditions, including autism and Parkinson's disease. Each advisor has an average of 15 years' expeirence in their area of expertise. These include diagnostics and biomarkers, medicinal chemistry, antibody engineering, formulation, clinical trial designs, clinical operations, medical affairs, regulatory, pharmacology, legal and licensing, intellectual property, pharma business development, entrepreneurship, venture capital, and more.

Applications are evaluated on the following criteria:

Clinical need. Projects must clearly define an unmet clinical need.

Underlying biology/technology. Projects must have a robust and novel approach that will lead to a first-in-class therapeutic.

Feasibility of translational objectives. Projects must have translational objectives with a high probability of being accomplished during the two years of participation in the program.

Potential applicants are invited to participate in an Optional Pre-Submission Review by providing SPARK NS with non-confidential information about their project prior to completing and submitting their application. The purpose is to address any questions applicants might have about their project’s fit for our program before they apply. For the 2027 Cohort application cycle, potential applicants must submit information prior to May 12, 2026 at 5:00 pm PT.

The dates for finalist presentations associated with the SPARK NS program are published early in the application process and well in advance of the dates. PIs who are not available to present on the required dates should not apply to the program.

Given the importance of collaboration with peers and industry expert advisors to the success of translational research, PIs who cannot attend scheduled virtual and in-person project updates and progress meetings should not apply to the program.

Applicants to the SPARK NS Program should not submit a budget as part of the initial application. Once projects are selected for the program, a project manager is assigned to each project. SPARK NS and the project PI subsequently work together on a Drug Development Plan that includes a budget.