QuSAFE: Quantum-Enabled Approaches for Predictive Preclinical NAMs for Toxicity and Safety
QuSAFE from NIH Challenges funds quantum-enabled sensing innovations to improve predictive performance of in vitro preclinical NAMs for toxicity and safety testing.
Funder: NIH Challenges
Due Dates: July 27, 2027 (Stage 1 Proposal) | July 31, 2028 (Stage 2 Milestone 1) | November 30, 2029 (Stage 2 Milestone 2)
Funding Amounts: Total prize purse: $7,100,000; Stage 1: up to $20,000 per winner (up to 25); Stage 2: up to $200,000 (Milestone 1), $460,000–$840,000 (Milestone 2) per winner.
Summary: Supports development of quantum-enabled sensing systems to improve detection and predictive performance in in vitro preclinical toxicity and safety assessments using NAMs.
Key Information: Participation in Stage 1 is not required for Stage 2; non-U.S. citizens can participate but are not eligible for monetary prizes.
Description
This NIH Challenge aims to accelerate the development of proof-of-concept and prototype quantum-enabled sensing systems that advance the capabilities of in vitro New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for preclinical toxicity and safety testing. The focus is on leveraging quantum and hybrid quantum-classical technologies to achieve enhanced sensitivity, spatial-temporal resolution, and non-destructive, real-time monitoring of biological signals that are difficult or impossible to detect using conventional methods. The ultimate goal is to improve the predictive performance and translational impact of NAMs in drug development and safety evaluation.
Proposed solutions must integrate quantum-enabled sensing with advanced analytics and demonstrate clear improvements over existing technologies in relevant biological systems. The challenge is conducted in two stages: Stage 1 (Ideation and Planning) and Stage 2 (Prototype Development and Demonstration), with significant monetary prizes awarded at each stage.
