NeuroTech Harbor: Optimizer #18406

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The two aims of NeuroTech Harbor are: (AIM 1) to accelerate early development of the most promising neuromedical solutions, and (AIM 2) to increase the innovation pipeline by identifying and supporting early-stage neuromedical technologies with high potential. NeuroTech Harbor (NTH), led by Johns Hopkins and Howard Universities, will accelerate the development of highly promising solutions to improve neurological health. Hopkins & Howard are uniquely positioned to realize this vision. Hopkins brings a foundation of researchers, prestigious research centers, and programs and has a translation track record ($3B invested in start-ups in the last 7 years). Howard complements this with a large pipeline of aspiring innovators both within and outside the Howard community. Howard has nurtured this network with early-stage mentorship, a successful incubator program, and recently received a $17M grant to create a Center for Entrepreneurship aimed at building resources and support for business owners. NTH will solicit proposals from innovators nationwide addressing pressing problems. Although the areas supported will be broad, covering all participating NIH Institutes and Centers, the expertise of NTH will be inclusive but focusing on Neuroprosthesis (cortical, spinal, peripheral, vision, and auditory), Brain Machine Interface, Neuro Sensors and Devices, Neuro Informatics, Neuromodulation, and Mental Health. For funded projects, resources will be provided, and a dream team of specialists will offer mentorship and tools to guide successful translation to first-in-human prototype. Specialists will be drawn from a diverse Steering Committee, Advisory Board, and Consultant Network, composed of highly regarded clinicians, scientists, technologists, commercialization experts, and patient advocates. We have created an NTH Institute, a center for innovator leadership development to educate innovators in business development, translation and project management. Importantly, our needs assessments will be guided by the principles accessibility for all patients and will include the input of all stakeholders. Our 5-year goals are to (i) solicit over 500 applications and launch 45 projects and (ii) blaze a trail to alleviate suffering from neurological conditions for all. This study is part of the NIH’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative to speed scientific solutions to the national opioid public health crisis and the public health crisis of chronic pain. The Initiative is advancing research to reduce the risks of opioid use and improve pain management.