ODAT Translational Research Funding
Move promising health innovations toward real-world use
ODAT Translational Research funding is intended to help human health innovations move closer to real-world use and become competitive for non-ODAT funding awards to advance development.
Funding supports University of Minnesota researchers developing novel solutions to unmet human health needs, from early concepts through validated innovations.
- Is your project a fit?
- Applicant eligibility
- Application materials
- Award categories and amounts
- Application and review schedule 2027
ODAT funding supports innovations that:
- Address an unmet human health need
- Are developed or co-developed at the University of Minnesota
- Are ready for development, testing, or validation
- Have a clear milestone that will move the innovation toward real-world use
Supported innovations include devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, software, service models, content, copyright-protected materials, and education technology.
Applicants must:
- Hold a paid full-time or part-time UMN appointment and be permitted by their department or unit to serve as PI
- Have completed UMN PI training
- Have sufficient time and involvement to oversee the project for the duration of the award
Serve as the project’s champion and primary point of contact
Eligible applicants may include faculty, clinician scientists, post-docs, researchers, staff, and trainees across the UMN system and all campuses.
Individuals with temporary or casual appointments are not eligible to serve as PI.
Award Category | Maximum Award | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|
Pre Proof-of Concept (Pre-PoC) | $35,000 (direct costs) | 1 year |
Proof-of Concept (POC) | $75,000 (direct costs) | 2 years |
Post Proof-of-Concept (Post POC) | $150,000 (direct costs) | 2 years |
Learn more about award categories in the 2027 RFP.
Applications are accepted throughout the year, following a structured review and decision-making process.
| Applications submitted by | Review period | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| January 31 | February–April | May |
| May 31 | June–August | September |
| September 30 | October–December | January |