Innovation Grants

Innovation Grant (Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation) is sponsored by Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation. This grant funds nonprofit organizations pursuing unique, high-impact projects that improve health and wellness in Arizona communities. While explicitly for nonprofits, small businesses focusing on health analytics could potentially partner with eligible organizations. Projects must demonstrate the potential to make a meaningful difference and stand apart from conventional approaches, including oral health education, disease prevention, and nutritional access.

The Merck Stimulating Innovative Research Grant Program 2026 includes a dedicated grant topic for artificial intelligence in cell culture media and process development, offering up to EUR 150,000 per year for up to 3 years. The program accelerates innovation through collaborative research, early engagement with industry experts, and translation of novel ideas into practical solutions. In 2026, priority areas also include in-vitro models for neuroinflammatory diseases (EUR 250,000/year for 2 years) and innovative approaches to contaminated materials remediation (EUR 150,000/year for 2 years). The two-stage application process begins with non-confidential submissions, followed by deep-dive workshops where finalists collaborate with Merck scientists and managers to jointly optimize proposals. The AI-specific grant focuses on applying machine learning and AI to optimize cell culture media formulation, bioprocess parameter optimization, and manufacturing quality control.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs (NIH) is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH). These programs provide non-dilutive funding to U.S. small businesses for research and development (R&D) of innovative technologies that align with NIH's mission to improve health. This includes health IT solutions with strong commercialization potential.