Program
The SPARK NS Translational Research Program provides academic researchers with the resources they need to meet their translational objectives and prepares them for the rigor of the entire drug development process. The program currently focuses on autism, Parkinson's disease, and adjacent conditions. Participation in the program improves the odds that promising therapeutics will make it to market where they can directly benefit patients.
Program Overview
The SPARK NS program is based on a unconventional model of translational research with an exceptional 50%1 success rate at guiding discoveries from the lab to the clinic. Research teams participating in the program meet regularly in-person and virtually as a cohort. In these confidential sessions, researchers share successes, failures, and challenges, and learn from industry expert advisors and each other. These meetings reinforce the value of collaboration over competition and encourage research teams to keep the shared end goal in mind: advancing novel therapies to patients.
What Makes SPARK NS Different
An unconventional translational research model provides a high level of support and accountability... unlike anything academic researchers have experienced before
Start With the End in Mind
Stay focused on the patient throughout
Milestone Funding
Dispersed based on a jointly developed drug development plan
Collaboration
Work together so each project and all projects can succeed
IP Protection
SPARK NS takes no IP or financial stake in projects
Program Components
Up to $2,000,000 in milestone-based funding
Each project receives up to $2,000,000 in funding, including discretionary funding for the principal investigator of $50,000 per year, for the two years they participate in the program. Funding is dispersed by SPARK NS based on resources needed to achieve translational objectives and milestones achieved.
Advice from 90+ industry expert advisors
Industry expert advisors with an average of 15 years’ experience each in their areas of expertise are continually available to provide hands-on advice and guidance to project teams based on their individual needs.
In-person and online education in drug development
Principal investigators and other members of project research teams receive in-person and online education on topics essential to their success and not typically available in academia: translational research, drug discovery and commercial development.
Participation in a collaborative community
Project teams participate in the program as a cohort and current cohorts meet together in-person and virtually. Participation in this community enables project teams to confidentially share ideas and resources and collaborate to advance each project and all projects.
Post-program support
Post-program support is provided to help projects bridge from the translational research program to later phases of the drug development process. Support can include introductions to potential investors, licensors in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, help with pitch decks, and advice on starting companies from successful entrepreneurs
Selection Criteria
Projects applying to the program are evaluated on three main criteria:
Unmet Need
Addresses an unmet clinical need
Robust Approach
Uses a robust and novel approach
High probability of success
High probability of achieving translational objectives in two years
SPARK NS Projects
Each year, SPARK NS invites academic researchers with promising autism and Parkinson's disease therapeutics to apply to the SPARK NS Translational Research Program. Participation in the program lasts two years. For information about principal investigators and projects in our 2025 and 2024 cohorts, visit our Projects page.
Learn more aboutProjects
We're Hiring!
SPARK NS seeks an Director of Project Management to elevate our project management practice and drive the success of our strategic partnerships with the scientific community.
Learn more- 1.
Kim, J.S., Kargotich, S., Lee, S.H. et al. SPARKing academic technologies across the valley of death. Nature Biotechnology 42, 339–342 (2024).
- 2.
Not all funds awarded go directly to PIs’ laboratories. For example, work done by vetted research organizations or academic research facilities will be paid for by SPARK NS directly to the organizations from awarded funds.