Pilot Awards: Where Translation Begins

Project Spotlight: Safe application of CAR T cells for the treatment of solid cancer

Professional portraits of Dr. Robert Eil (left) and Dr. Alexandra Bartlett (right).

Drs. Eil (left) and Bartlett (right) developed a modification that allows safe application of CAR T-cells to treat advanced metastatic cancer.

Safety studies were completed using OCTRI funding.

Learn more about the project and outcomes in the spotlight summary.

Our goal

Each year, OCTRI awards pilot project funding to exceptional clinical and translational research projects. The goal of the Pilot Awards is to foster exciting science and innovation, providing support for preliminary data generation and stimulating the development of translational research.

Our process

Awardees are evaluated throughout their research project based on their reporting of progress and outcomes. This includes the tracking of publications, new grant funding, and commercialization outcomes derived from pilot funding. Most awardees also report qualitatively on project impact and list other forms of results dissemination. Investigator feedback and project outcome data are used to improve program management and guide decisions about future program iterations and initiatives.

View OCTRI's Innovation Programs and Awards Report 2024 to learn more.

Open funding opportunities

OCTRI KL2 Mentored Career Development Award

RFA
Application deadline: July 16th 11:59 p.m.
View the KL2 website for more information

Questions? Please contact Melissa Mudd muddm@ohsu.edu

BIP Drug Discovery

Apply now!
Application deadline: May 07, 2025
Award amount: up to $60,000
This funding opportunity is intended for interdisciplinary drug discovery and therapeutic development projects. Through this funding mechanism, OCTRI, and OHSU Innovates, intend to support and accelerate creative, interdisciplinary device, diagnostic, and software development research at OHSU. Projects will typically be supported for a one-year period. Predetermined milestones and quantitative metrics of success will be evaluated on a regular basis.

Questions? Please contact Jonathan Jubera: jubera@ohsu.edu.

Regulatory Consultation and Assistance Program

Apply now!
Award amount: up to $7,000
OCTRI is accepting applications for funding regulatory consultation services for OHSU investigators. A one-time award of up to $7,000 can be used to hire regulatory consultants to provide an overview of FDA rules and procedures specific to moving your technology or project towards commercialization.

Questions? Please contact Claudia Nakama: nakama@ohsu.edu

SBIR/STTR resources

Apply a minimum of 4 weeks prior to SBIR/STTR due date
Award amount: up to $5,000
Receive SBIR/STTR application support for strategy, writing, and business plan development

SBIR/STTR Technical And Business Assistance (TABA)

TABA Funding is part of a comprehensive federal program intended to help small businesses identify and address their most pressing product development needs. TABA programs assist small businesses in:

making better technical decisions concerning such projects;
solving technical problems which arise during the conduct of such projects;
minimizing technical risks associated with such projects; and
developing and commercializing new commercial products and processes resulting from such projects, including intellectual property protections.

Small Businesses may request: