About this call

The USC Stem Cell/SPARK at USC grant is focused on the support of regenerative medicine innovation (therapeutics or diagnostics). Integration of AI technology is highly encouraged.

The new SPARK at USC program is part of the SPARK Global program with the goal of accelerating the translation of academic biomedical discoveries into clinical therapies and industry partnerships. It follows the SPARK at Stanford concept, with 20 years of success stories. Through a multidisciplinary team approach, seminars throughout the year, and case study-based roundtable discussions, this program will build a robust learning ecosystem that supports USC, CHLA, and Southern California researchers in navigating the path from bench to bedside.

What we offer

• Up to $50K of milestone-based funding (1-year duration with option to re-apply for second year extension)
• At least 10 hours of managerial support through SPARK at USC for your project including the establishment of a team charter and achievable milestones
• An educational series open to all (in-person at USC, attendees are required to sign an NDA to attend)
• Connections with industry advisors and other advisors specific to project needs
• Constructive feedback and guidance from our regenerative medicine/commercialization expert group on the intricacies of starting a company and obtaining clinical approval
• Connections with VC firms and other important entities depending on project need
• Gain necessary resources, insights, and assistance to pursue funding opportunities, such as the SBIR grant

Who can apply

• Anyone with a potential regenerative medicine technology working at USC/CHLA
• Teams are encouraged to include students, post-docs, and/or staff
• Teams may include external partners (non-commercial or commercial)

Expectations

• Work closely with the SPARK at USC team
• Present your project three times per year during SPARK events at USC (all under NDA: concept including draft of Target Product Profile (TPP), progress, and final results)
• Have at least one member of your group attend the SPARK at USC seminars for the duration of funding (about 6 sessions/year)
• Prepare brief 6-month interim report and a final report at the end of the funding period
• Inform SPARK at USC for a duration of up to 3 years following funding about any outcomes related to the project (e.g. external funding, license status, etc.)

Deadline for submission and expected start of funding in 2026

• Submission deadline: June 30; Funding decision: August 3; expected start date: September 1

Project selection process

• Our reviewers (internal and external) will review all applications and select 1 team that will receive support in 2026. Selected candidates may be invited to an initial session to pitch their idea to our expert committee.

Application Instructions

Please kindly send the completed application to Dr. Juliane Glaeser: Juliane.Glaeser@med.usc.edu

• Cover sheet:

  • Title of proposal
  • Indicate if diagnostic or therapeutic invention
  • Clinical indication
  • PI name, degree(s), title, department, and email
  • Co-PI & Co-investigator name(s), title(s), department(s), role(s) on the team, and email(s)
  • Have you disclosed this project to USC Stevens (Tech Transfer Office)? Add technology ID number, if relevant.
  • List any grant funding this work currently supports
  • Amount of funding requested

• Body of proposal (2-page limit, at least 10-point font):

  • Underlying technology (including use of AI technology as applicable)
  • Description of proposed product
  • Brief scope of market (market size, competition, clinical assets + stage of development (of competition), addressable market)
  • Unmet need and current standard of care (highlighting the need for a solution)
  • Translational objectives (e.g. proof-of-concept or validation activities) that will be achieved with the funding
  • Preliminary assessment of regulatory pathway, freedom to operate, IP landscape
  • Intellectual property status
  • Preliminary data (if any)
  • What are the steps you envision for commercializing this IP?
  • Development plan (including timeline and plans for funding proposal)
  • Proposal milestones – commercial and development milestones

• Budget (not part of page limit):

  • Provide table with budget details

• Bios (not part of page limit)

  • Provide 1-page bio for PI (and Co-PI)
  • List all members involved in the project, their roles and brief explanation why right fit for role (one short paragraph maximum each person)

Important notes:

• Figures and tables should be included within the body of the proposal.
• References may be included and are not part of the page limit.
• Do not include appendices to the proposal.
• SPARK at USC Grants are intended to expend on current lab resources and personnel. Partial support of salaries for research personnel may be granted if allowed by the agency providing funding.
• Unallowable expenditures include: Capital equipment costing more than $5,000, intellectual property services, and food
• Do not include indirect cost expenses.
• Funds will only be provided to USC and CHLA labs and not external parties.
• Applications that do not comply with the requirements will not be considered for review.
• All materials should be combined and submitted online in a single PDF file.