The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission announces the publication of applications for proposals for its grant programs

MSCRF Commercialization Grant Program Expands to Third Party Companies

Maryland

COLUMBIA, Maryland

,

May 30, 2024

/PRNewswire/ — The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (the “Commission”) announces the publication of Requests for Proposals (RFAs) for the first funding cycle of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) in fiscal year 2025 (FY25). ).

RFPs for this initial cycle are currently available for five grant programs: manufacturing assistance, clinical, validation, commercialization, and commercialization. All applications must be submitted to

July 9, 2024

.

With this announcement comes the news that the Commission is also extending grant funding to non-EU companies

Maryland

under the commercialization grant program, provided that research activities are conducted in the country. The clinical grant program is available to entities with at least one clinical facility in Poland

Maryland

.

“This expansion is intended to support the development of this field while promoting economic development in

Maryland

,” he said

Diana Hoffmann

head of the commission.

The Commission recently launched new strategic initiatives under Validation and Commercialization Grant Programs that aim to support purposeful collaboration between the private and public sectors.

“People who cooperate with a company or university to create a public-private partnership will be entitled to receive an additional scholarship

$100,000

above the maximum grant amount. By providing additional funding for collaborations to companies and academic institutions, we aim to strengthen and sustain the innovation ecosystem in

Maryland

for stem cell research,” said Ruchika Nijhara, executive director of MSCRF. “This initiative underscores MSCRF’s steadfast commitment to accelerating the development of innovative stem cell-based therapies and technologies.”

MSCRF completed two funding cycles in fiscal year 2024, awarding over

$19 million

in financing 60 research projects of several companies and academic institutions.

The fund was created in 2006 by

Maryland

Governor and General Assembly of Maryland and committed to close

200 million dollars

up to 600 different research and development projects.

Governor Moore and his administration more than doubled funding in FY 2023 and maintained the same level of funding with current appropriations of

$20.5 million

for fiscal year 2025. “This level of funding demonstrates Governor Moore’s confidence in MSCRF and his commitment to ensuring that

Maryland

as a leader in regenerative medicine and positively impacting patient outcomes in the country and beyond,” says Nijhara.

MSCRF offers a variety of grant programs to support human stem cell research and development, with two funding cycles per fiscal year. These grant programs provide essential resources and support to researchers and companies at various stages of stem cell technology development.

“Our goal is to empower researchers and foster collaborations that will lead to significant advances in regenerative medicine and ultimately improve people’s quality of life. The MSCRF team is committed to helping scientists and companies advance their research and development and stands ready to answer any questions regarding the grant programs,” Nijhara added.

The application portal is now open and available on the MSCRF website at www.mscrf.org. We encourage applicants to visit the MSCRF website for comprehensive information on the RFA, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines. Companies from outside

Maryland

interested in the commercialization grant program and considering cooperation with an organization providing contract services in

Maryland

should discuss the specifics of proposed activities with the MSCRF team in advance to ensure compliance with program requirements. For further assistance, candidates can contact the MSCRF team at [email protected].

Key dates:

• Application deadline:
  
  July 9, 2024
  
  ,
  
  12:00
  

• Prize announcements:
  
  September 2024
  

About the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission


The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission, through the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund, is focused on identifying and supporting cutting-edge regenerative medicine research and innovation in

Maryland

. Our Accelerating Cures initiative includes programs that help advance human stem cell technologies from the bench to point-of-care applications, as well as mechanisms to create and grow stem cell companies in

Maryland

. Visit us at www.mscrf.org to learn more about our funding options.

About TEDCO

TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, advances economic growth by supporting an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests and helps develop technology and life sciences companies

Maryland

. More information can be found at www.tedcomd.com.

Contact MSCRF

Ruchika Nijhara, Ph.D., MBA, Executive Director, MSCRF, [email protected]

Contact with the media

TammyThomas

Director of Development and Marketing at TEDCO, [email protected]

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SOURCE Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission