BRAIN Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) Exploratory Topic is sponsored by Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). This program aims to generate graftable precursor tissues for various parts of the brain beyond the neocortex, with the goal of reversing damage caused by diseases, injuries, and aging to restore lost functions and independence.

BRAINS Exploratory Topic | ARPA-H Regrowing Damaged Brain Regions to Restore Lost Function Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) Exploratory Topic Many diseases and injuries can damage specific parts of the brain, leaving tens of millions of Americans with permanent disabilities and no real way to get back lost abilities or independence.

Today, there are no treatments that can replace damaged brain tissue and restore normal function. Instead, people rely on physical, psychological, and occupational therapies to manage their condition. As a result, many remain disabled and need lifelong care.

The Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) Exploratory Topic (ET) is the first effort to generate graftable precursor tissues for multiple parts of the brain – extending beyond the FRONT program's focus on the neocortex. BRAINS goal is to show it is possible to reverse damage and disease in any part of the brain.

BRAINS ET will target brain regions including, but not limited to, the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus, striatum, cingulate cortex, substantia nigra, brainstem, and cerebellum. Together, these areas control movement, balance, mood, autonomic body functions, memory formation, and other critical functions.

The BRAINS ET approach will address a wide range of disabilities caused by many forms of brain damage, including aging, congenital diseases, strokes, injuries, tumors, and infections.

Using natural brain development as a guide, BRAINS is focused on two technical areas, both essential for later steps in repairing damaged brain tissue with working tissue: Technical area 1: teams will design developmental mimicking or tissue engineering methods capable of generating precursor tissue for a part of the brain other than neocortex.

Technical area 2: teams will provide proof-of-concept for surgical engraftment into adult brains of non-human fetal precursor tissues for their selected brain area BRAINS ET will have two intake groups. Each group’s work will last 18 months from kickoff to completion and will include two 9-month phases.

BRAINS stands to transform the lives of millions of Americans affected by brain injury, disease, and aging by ultimately enabling the restoration of lost abilities and independence - something no current therapy can offer. Notice ID: ARPA-H-SOL-26-148 ARPA-H invites interested parties to review the solicitation, which is posted and maintained on SAM.

gov. The solicitation outlines the opportunity and its requirements, key dates and deadlines, submission documents and templates, evaluation criteria for submissions, and information on how to apply. Solution Summary due: July 9, 2026 at 5:00PM ET A solution summary is required to submit a full proposal.

Full Proposal due: August 6, 2026 at 5:00PM ET After submission of a solution summary, proposers will either be encouraged or discouraged from submission of a full proposal. It is strongly recommended that only proposers who are encouraged to submit a full proposal do so. Reminder: Dates are estimates and subject to change.

Please reference the solicitation for the most up-to-date information. Review Solicitation Details Ready to apply? To submit, sign-in to the ARPA-H Solutions Portal after June 25, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions Review responses to common questions about this funding opportunity asked by others in the proposer community. You can also ask a question. Review FAQs and Ask A Question Proposers' Day Webinar and Sidebars This pre-recorded webinar is an optional event for the potential proposer community and is not intended for patients, patient advocates, media or general interest audiences.

BRAINS is hosting a live Q&A session and sidebars with the Program Manager and team. Please review the Special Notice and register in advance for these events. Notice ID: ARPA-H-SN-26-153 Event date: July 24 and 25, 2026 at 3:30-5:30PM ET