Pediatric Device Seed Funding

Pediatric Device Seed Funding is sponsored by University of Minnesota Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium (PDIC). The University of Minnesota Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium offers annual Pediatric Device Seed Funding to foster the innovation of pediatric medical devices specifically designed for children.

This opportunity is open to individuals or companies developing a pediatric medical device, with small businesses particularly encouraged to apply.

Pediatric Device Seed Funding | Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium (PDIC) Pediatric Device Seed Funding Closed - not currently accepting applications. Check back in early 2027 for the next opportunity.

The University of Minnesota Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium is pleased to offer its second annual Pediatric Device Seed Funding Award as part of its participation in the FDA-funded Southwest-Midwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium (SWPDC) . The purpose of these awards is to foster the innovation of pediatric medical devices specifically designed for children. One seed funding award of $20k is available for 2026.

The initial application consists of a short questionnaire, an itemized budget, and a CV or Biographical Sketch. Further information may be requested by the program staff. Please carefully review the eligibility criteria below before applying.

The application deadline is 1:00 PM CT on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 The Southwest-Midwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium (SWPDC) is a multi-institutional consortium that is supported by an FDA P50 grant, anchored by Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) and Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), and is dedicated to improving children’s health by supporting pediatric device innovators to create novel pediatric medical devices with local, regional, and national institutional and innovation partners.

Beginning in 2023, the University of Minnesota PDIC is part of the SWPDC. Target Uses of Seed Funding This funding opportunity is intended to support the development, testing and/or implementation of pediatric medical devices or digital health technologies that will be regulated by the FDA Open to any individual or companies developing a pediatric medical device.

Small businesses are particularly encouraged to apply All awarded funds (type 1 College funds) must be spent (not encumbered) in the one-year period ending July 31, 2027. No-cost extensions will NOT be granted. Any unused funds will be returned to UMN.

Funds may be used for expenses and activities associated with the development of a pediatric device including: Personnel including for the PI (salary and applicable fringe benefits to allow for research time) or for postdocs and graduate students and other professional and technical staff.

Consultant expenses associated with device development (regulatory, intellectual property, etc.) including in the start-up company associated with the device Engineering design/prototyping / manufacturing expenses Funds may NOT be used towards the following: Office equipment and furniture Maintenance/service contracts Construction, alteration, maintenance or rental of buildings or building space Recruiting/relocation expenses Entertainment/social expenses Instructions for Preparing Your Application Required Application Items Completed online application , including itemized budget with justification Submission and Review Timeline April 23, 2026 - Application opens May 20, 2026, 1:00 PM CT - Applications due By June 30, 2026 - Applicants notified Applications will be evaluated based on the following categories: Significance, Innovation, Feasibility Progress reports are required on a six-month basis.

The progress report should detail the progress made on the project. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How often is the program offered? The program will be offered once a year.

Are there any citizenship or residency requirements? There are no citizenship requirements for this program; however, applicants must reside in the United States. Do I need to submit biosketches for my collaborators?

No, only the principal investigator’s biosketch or CV should be included in the application. Can my proposal be submitted after the deadline? No. Proposals can be submitted only until the specified time on the deadline day.

We encourage you to start your draft application early within the online submission system. Who reviews the applications? Applications are reviewed by a review committee.

What is the timeline for the review process? When will awards start? Our goal is to announce the award by the end of June 2026.

Funding decisions are communicated as soon as they are finalized. By when must awarded funds be spent? Funds are type 1 and must be spent (not encumbered) within 12 months from the date awarded.

No cost extensions are not allowed. How do I know if the device in development is eligible for this opportunity? To be eligible for this opportunity the device in development will need to be taken through the US regulatory pathway as an FDA regulated medical device in the future.

Since the FDA is the sponsor for the SWPDC, the eligibility for this opportunity is limited to FDA regulated devices. Projects developing devices that do not require FDA regulation are not eligible to apply. The Southwest-Midwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium (SWPDC) is one of five U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) P50 grant-supported pediatric device consortia.

SWPDC is a “free, no-strings-attached” virtual accelerator that supports pediatric device innovators nationwide with product, technology, and business acceleration services throughout the pediatric device life cycle from idea to commercial/clinical launch. Questions can be directed to Gwen Fischer, MD at [email protected] PDIC Leadership and Advisors PDIC Translational Research Funding Pediatric Device Seed Funding