Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS)

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA‑H) is seeking innovative solutions to generate region‑specific brain precursor tissue and demonstrate surgical engraftment of that tissue into adult animal brains. The effort is split into two Technical Areas (TA‑1 and TA‑2) and will be funded through Other Transaction agreements. Proposers must submit a 3‑page solution summary by the first intake deadline and, if encouraged, a full proposal thereafter. Funding guidance provides up to $500 k per Technical Area for Phase I, with the possibility of an additional $500 k for Phase II, for a total potential award of $1 M–$2 M per team. • TA‑1: Define, characterize, and produce non‑neocortical precursor tissue from human iPSCs with ≥80 % similarity to natural tissue. • TA‑2: Develop a surgical transplantation protocol using non‑human fetal donor tissue, achieving rapid vascularization, ≥80 % cell survival at 48 h, and structural/functional integration for at least 21 days. • Eligibility: U.S. universities, non‑profits, small and other‑than‑small businesses; early‑career investigators are preferred. No FFRDCs or entities currently providing services to ARPA‑H may serve as prime/sub‑performer. • Compliance: Active SAM registration required; must adhere to HHS stem‑cell policies, animal‑use regulations, and prohibitions on human fetal tissue and dangerous gain‑of‑function research.