ForecastedFederal grantOpen to for-profit businessesRFA-RM-28-006

Transformative Technologies for Experimental and Computational RNome Characterization and Functional Analysis

National Institutes of HealthCloses Feb 15, 2027(125 days left)Up to $500,000

Does this fit your business?

This is an NIH research program for teams building new experimental and computational tools to study RNA—sequencing, modification detection, and function analysis. It funds early-stage, high-risk R&D, not product launches or general business costs. If you are not doing RNA-related research and development, do not apply.

Best for
Small biotech and tech firms building RNA research tools, Universities and academic labs, Nonprofits doing early-stage life-science R&D, Teams with computational plus experimental RNA expertise
Not for
Retail, finance, or real estate businesses, Companies wanting working capital or expansion funding, Teams without RNA or computational biology expertise
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Technology & SoftwareMatches your industry (technology, tech)
81
Strong Match
Healthcare & BiotechMatches your industry (health)
79
Strong Match
Education & TrainingMatches your industry (stem)
68
Good Match
Social Services & NonprofitMatches your industry (community)
63
Good Match
Transportation & LogisticsMatches your industry (transit)
61
Good Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to agriculture & farming
54
Possible Match
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Arts & CultureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to arts & culture
54
Possible Match
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to construction & infrastructure
54
Possible Match
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Nothing in this notice points to energy & clean tech
54
Possible Match
Environment & ConservationLimit: Nothing in this notice points to environment & conservation
54
Possible Match
Finance & BankingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to finance & banking
54
Possible Match
Food & BeverageLimit: Nothing in this notice points to food & beverage
54
Possible Match
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Nothing in this notice points to housing & real estate
54
Possible Match
ManufacturingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to manufacturing
54
Possible Match
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Nothing in this notice points to retail & e-commerce
54
Possible Match

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
R&D, Research, Equipment
Who can apply
Small businesses, For-profit companies, Nonprofits, State and local governments, Tribal governments and organizations, Colleges and universities, Other applicants (see eligibility)
Award range
Up to $500,000

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
February 15, 2027. The notice was posted August 5, 2026, so there is a long runway to build collaborations and a strong project.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
The largest single award is $500,000, from a total program pool of $8,000,000 with about 10 awards expected. The facts do not say whether Phase 2 funding is separate or larger.
Who can apply for this grant?
Small businesses, for-profit companies, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), public and private universities, state and local governments, federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, independent school districts, special district governments, federal agencies, U.S. territories, faith-based and community-based organizations, regional organizations, and some foreign institutions. The full list is in the eligibility text.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
The facts do not say. Small businesses are eligible, but the notice does not specify whether sole proprietors or single-member LLCs qualify, so check the full NOFO when it is issued.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Both nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without it may apply, as long as they are not institutions of higher education (those are covered under a separate category).

Summary

NIH Common Fund RNomics program supports phased development of transformative experimental and computational RNA technologies—sequencing, modification detection, function analysis—addressing limitations of current methods. Eligible: small businesses, for-profits, nonprofits, universities, governments, tribes, faith-based and some foreign entities.

About this grant

The NIH Common Fund, in partnership with other NIH Institutes and Centers, plans to issue Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for the RNomics program, which seeks to develop tools for studying the full set of RNA molecules (the RNome) in cells and tissues. The program will support technologies and resources that enable integrated analysis of RNA sequences, modifications, structures, locations, interactions, and functions to advance understanding of health and disease. RNomics includes four initiatives: technology enhancement centers, transformative technologies, molecular standards, and a coordinating center. Applications are not being solicited at this time. This notice is being provided to give potential applicants time to develop meaningful collaborations and strong projects. This NOFO will support the transformative technologies initiative. These phased projects will develop new experimental and computational RNA technologies that address major limitations of current methods. Projects will focus on early-stage, high-risk ideas not yet demonstrated at scale or in biologically relevant systems. Priority areas include tools to sequence RNA, detect modifications, study RNA function, and analyze RNA across molecules, cells, and tissues. Projects that successfully complete Phase 1 milestones will be evaluated for transition to Phase 2. Phase 2 projects are expected to deliver validated tools for community use.

Who can apply

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Science
  • Technology
  • Health

Program contact

Common Fund RNomics Programcfrnomics@od.nih.govPlease contact via e-mail.

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