Reaching Across the Translational Gap: Funding for Biomedical Breakthroughs
The Center for Biotechnology’s BioREACH award program is designed to bridge the critical gap between discovery and real-world application.The BioREACH program advances SBU innovations that have the potential to shape the future of health and healthcare by funding translational studies that address the key scientific or technical questions standing between an academic innovation and its next stage of development.
The program began when the Center for Biotechnology was tapped as one of the first three NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH).
The Center for Biotechnology (CfB) has helped advance some of Stony Brook University’s most impactful biomedical innovations, among them the yeast two-hybrid system, Xiaflex®, ReoPro®, Oracea®, and 3D virtual colonoscopy. These commercial successes resulted from the CfB’s investment in the translation of faculty innovations into technologies that addressed large unmet market needs. In total, the CfB has supported more than 475 faculty-led translational research projects and contributed to 306 license agreements generating $51 million in royalty returns to the University
PROGRAM PURPOSE & STRUCTURE:
BioREACH advances SBU innovations that have the potential to shape the future of health and healthcare by funding translational studies that address the key scientific or technical question standing between an academic innovation and its next stage of development.
BioREACH provides up to $50,000 over 12 months, awarded in two $25,000 tranches based on external review and achievement of predetermined, agreed-upon milestones.
Proposed projects address one or more defined translational feasibility questions that support a clear development decision. Projects may lead to new intellectual property or generate evidence that increases the value or expands the potential application of existing IP.
Awards and funding tranches are reviewed and approved by the Center for Biotechnology’s External Review Board.
Application deadline: October 29, 2026, 5:00pm ET
Important Dates
Zoom Info Sessions:
September 16: 12:30pm – 1:30 pm | Click here to register & add to your calendar
September 23: 12:30pm – 1:30 pm | Click here to register & add to your calendar
October 1: 12:30pm – 1:30 pm | Click here to register & add to your calendar
Proposal Due: October 29, 2026, 5:00pm ET
For eligibility, deadlines, selection criteria, and reporting requirements, go to these links:
Additional documents to be included in proposal:
NIH-style Biosketch of PI (and primary co-sponsor, if applicable)
Budget Form
Research Compliance Form
Project Plan Form
Program Contact:
Applicants are encouraged to meet with BioREACH Program staff at the Center for Biotechnology (CfB) to discuss program objectives, application requirements, and technology-development questions. Dee Dao, PhD, and Zelda Mendelowitz, PhD, will hold weekly office hours in September and October.
Dee Dao, PhD, Associate Director | Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Office Hour sign-up Link: https://scheduler.zoom.us/dee-dao/dee-dao-office-hours-cfb-bioreach
Zelda Mendelowitz, PhD, Venture Associate | Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00am– 12:00pm
Office Hour sign-up Link: https://scheduler.zoom.us/zelda-mendelowitz-twur48/zelda-s-office-hours
Proposal Evaluation
The Center for Biotechnology evaluates each proposal individually against the following criteria, along with other factors relevant to our program goals:
– Technical Merit: Scientific validity, innovation, technology readiness level (TRL; see Appendix 1 for guidelines), and technical feasibility
– Commercial Potential: Market opportunity, competitive advantage, IP potential
– Team Capability: Domain and technical expertise, and commitment level
– Translational Planning: Milestone clarity, timeline feasibility, resource allocation, and risk management strategies
Proposals will be evaluated by SBU’s Intellectual Property Partners staff and the CfB External Review Board, composed of industry experts. All external membe