[Crohn's and Colitis Foundation](https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org)

September 17, 2025 (Letter of Intent)

Up to $500,000 per project per year (inclusive of direct and indirect costs; renewable for additional years if milestones are met)

Supports product-oriented R&D to improve quality of life for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, with funding and accelerator resources for companies and academic investigators.

No IP or equity taken; repayment only if product is commercialized.

--- ## Description This opportunity from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is designed to accelerate the development of research-based products that address unmet needs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The program funds both companies and academic investigators working on product-oriented R&D, such as therapeutics, diagnostics, devices, software, and healthcare technologies. In addition to financial support, awardees receive tailored accelerator resources, including scientific and strategic advising, access to biosample/data repositories, and networking opportunities. The program is milestone-driven and aims to support projects that can demonstrate a clear path to commercialization and a significant potential impact for IBD patients. --- ## Due Dates - **Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline:** September 17, 2025 - LOIs are required before full proposals; full proposals are by invitation only and are typically due about one month after invitation. - Proposals are reviewed twice per year. --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum award:** Up to $500,000 per project per year (inclusive of all direct and indirect costs; indirect costs capped at 10%) - **Project duration:** Typically 12 months per funding period; renewals for additional years are possible if milestones are achieved. - **Disbursement:** Approximately 50% of funding is provided up front, with the remainder tied to achievement of milestones. - **Repayment:** The Foundation does not take equity or IP ownership. If the funded technology is commercialized, a financial return to the Foundation is required, negotiated based on risk and funding amount. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - For-profit companies (including small biotech and medtech companies; non-profits with a product development focus may also apply) - Academic or research institutions (universities, research institutes, medical centers) with demonstrated commitment to commercialization - International applicants are welcome - **Requirements:** - Projects must be focused on the development of a specific product for IBD (not basic research) - Applicants must have appropriate personnel, infrastructure, and resources for product development - Academic applicants should have access to commercialization resources (e.g., SBIR/STTR, tech transfer, industry partnerships) - Collaborative projects (e.g., academia-industry) are encouraged; one organization must be the primary applicant - Core IP for the proposed product must be assigned or licensed to the primary applicant --- ## Application Process - **Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)** - Submit via [proposalCENTRAL](https://proposalcentral.com/GrantOpportunities.asp?GMID=271) - LOIs are reviewed competitively; only selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal - **Step 2: Full Proposal (by invitation)** - Detailed research plan, commercialization plan, milestones, budget, and supporting documents required - Proposals are reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee (industry, academia, clinicians, patients) - **Review Criteria:** - Unmet need and impact for IBD patients - Scientific and commercial validation - IP position and freedom to operate - Team expertise and resources - Milestone-driven research and development plan - Commercialization strategy - **Confidentiality:** All submitted materials are treated as confidential; applicants may request a confidentiality agreement. --- ## Additional Information - **Accelerator resources:** Funded projects may receive scientific/strategic advising, access to IBD Plexus (biosample/data repository), introductions to collaborators, and presentation opportunities at Foundation events. - **No equity or IP taken:** The Foundation does not take ownership of IP or equity in funded companies. - **Repayment only if commercialized:** Financial return to the Foundation is only required if the funded technology is commercialized or in the event of an early exit (e.g., out-licensing). - **Eligible product types:** Any research-based product with potential benefit for IBD patients, including therapeutics (small/large molecules, gene/cell therapies), diagnostics, devices, software, and services. --- ## External Links - [Funder Home Page](https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org) - [Program Information & Guidelines](https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/research/grants-fellowships/entrepreneurial-investing) - [Full Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-08-17%20IBD%20Ventures%20Program%20Guidelines.pdf) - [Application Portal (proposalCENTRAL)](https://proposalcentral.com/GrantOpportunities.asp?GMID=271) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/research/grants-fellowships/ibd-ventures-faqs) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [entrepreneurship@crohnscolitisfoundation.org](mailto:entrepreneurship@crohnscolitisfoundation.org) | | Foundation Address | 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017, USA | | Phone | +1 800-932-2423 | | Online Contact Form | [Contact Page](https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/contact) |

IBD Ventures

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