Exploratory Research for Technology Development (R21) | PAR 17 046

Exploratory Research for Technology Development (R21) (PAR-17-046) - FAQs

What is the Exploratory Research for Technology Development (R21) opportunity?

This is an NIH discretionary grant opportunity intended to support early-stage, high-risk technology development projects that could eventually transform biomedical research. It is listed under Funding Opportunity Number PAR-17-046 and CFDA 93.859.

What is the main purpose of this program?

The main purpose is to develop innovative, enabling research technologies (not to answer a specific biological or clinical question). The emphasis is on creating new technical capabilities that could benefit the broader biomedical research community in the future.

What kinds of projects does this opportunity encourage?

It encourages bold, novel technical concepts such as new methods, platforms, instruments, computational approaches, or other enabling technologies. The program is designed for concept formation and early technical exploration that could open up new research capabilities down the road.

Is this funding meant for biomedical discovery studies (biological or clinical research questions)?

No. Using the proposed technology to address a specific biomedical research question is described as outside the scope and should not be included as an aim.

How does this program treat risk and novelty?

Risk and novelty are central to the program. Projects may involve unproven approaches, uncertain feasibility, or unconventional ideas, as long as the potential upside and impact on biomedical research capabilities could be significant. The program explicitly accepts that many exploratory efforts may not work.

Are incremental improvements on existing tools a good fit?

The program intent is not incremental improvement of already-validated tools. It is positioned to support early, exploratory technology ideas rather than refinement of technologies that already have strong feasibility evidence.

Do applicants need preliminary data?

The opportunity frames preliminary data demonstrating feasibility as a sign that the project may already be beyond the exploratory stage. In other words, having feasibility evidence may indicate the project is not well suited to this particular R21 technology-development program.

What is the award ceiling?

The award ceiling is $200,000.

What is the funding instrument and activity category?

The funding instrument type is a grant, and the activity category is health.

When was this opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was first created on November 1, 2016, and the original closing date was April 12, 2019.

Does the listing specify how many awards will be made?

The listing notes "expected awards" but does not provide a specific number. The overall framing suggests relatively small, focused early investigations rather than large-scale development efforts.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad across many U.S.-based organization types and government entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city/township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; other Native American tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding higher education where noted); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other qualifying entities.

Are minority-serving institutions specifically included as eligible applicants?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly calls out Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and similar categories as eligible applicant types.

Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are explicitly listed among eligible applicant categories.

Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?

Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are explicitly mentioned as eligible applicant categories.

Can federal agencies apply?

Yes. Eligible federal agencies are explicitly listed among eligible applicant categories.

Are non-federally recognized tribal governments included?

Yes. Indian/Native American Tribal Governments that are not federally recognized are explicitly included among the additional eligible applicant categories.

Can a non-U.S. (foreign) organization apply as the main applicant?

No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization under this opportunity.

Can a U.S. organization apply if it has a non-U.S. component?

Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization. However, the opportunity allows "foreign components" (as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement) within a U.S. application, meaning certain international collaboration or activities may be included if they meet NIH's definition and requirements for a foreign component.

What does "foreign component" mean in this context?

The opportunity states that "foreign components" are allowed as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement. A U.S. applicant may include qualifying international collaboration or activities as a foreign component if they meet NIH's definition and requirements.

What is the overall best fit for this R21?

The best fit is a genuinely early, enabling technology concept with high uncertainty, minimal to no feasibility demonstration, and a clear orientation toward expanding future biomedical research capability rather than producing immediate biological or clinical answers.