Program
The SPARK NS Translational Research Program is based on a unique model of translational research with an exceptional 50%1 success rate at guiding discoveries from the lab to the clinic. The high-level of support provided by the program helps ensure that each project selected for participation meets its translational objectives and continues on the path to market. The SPARK NS program focuses on Parkinson's disease and autism.
Program Overview
Research teams participating in the program meet regularly in-person and virtually as a cohort. In these confidential sessions, hierarchies are put aside and egos are checked at the door as researchers provide updates on their projects, share successes, failures, and challenges and learn from industry expert advisors and each other.
These meetings reinforce the value of collaboration over competition and encourage research teams to keep the shared end goal in mind: advancing novel therapies to patients. The support each project receives varies depending on its stage of development and the skillsets and experience of project research teams.
Program Components
SPARK NS provides all the resources you need to advance your project from lab to clinic.
Funding
$2,000,0002 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 with an exceptional 50%2 success rate at advancing academic 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 projects with 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 for the benefit of patients.
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.
Protected IP Rights and 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 translational 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 Translational Research Program, 2026 Cohort
SPARK NS invites principal investigators with promising discoveries in Parkinson's disease or autism to apply to the SPARK NS Translational Research Program, 2026 Cohort. The program will provide $2,000,000 in funding, education, mentoring, and networking opportunities over two years.
How to apply- 1.
Kim, J.S., Kargotich, S., Lee, S.H. et al. SPARKing academic technologies across the valley of death. Nature Biotechnology 42, 339–342 (2024).
- 2.
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.