Your Path to Funding Starts Here

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.

About this page

From pilot project awards to funding resources, tools, and guidance, OCTRI is here to provide you with direct support for your clinical and translational research. Learn how to get funded, what’s expected of new grantees, which pilot awards are currently open, and more.

OCTRI funding opportunities

OCTRI translational science pilot award

OCTRI accepted applications for its first translational science pilot project in 2025 for a project that could be developed with ~$30,000 in funding to collect preliminary data for inclusion as an R01-sized research project (up to $300,000) in OCTRI’s grant renewal submission due in May 2026.

Translational science projects address research barriers with generalizable solutions. Examples of translational science projects can be found in Dr. Cindy Morris' OHSU Research Town Hall presentation from Dec 2, 2024 (slides, video recording).

Review the 2025 OCTRI Translational Science Pilot Project RFP (March 4, 2025).

***This application is now closed. Check back for additional opportunities in 2026.***

BIP device, diagnostic & software

  • Application deadline: closed
  • Award amount: up to $40,000
  • This funding opportunity is intended for medical device and diagnostic technology 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

The Innovation Development and Entrepreneurship Acceleration (IDEA) Fund

The IDEA Fund provides strategic, timely funding for: 1) developing technologies, 2) funding for OHSU startup companies, and 3) innovation and commercialization educational programming support to help bridge the early-stage funding gap often experienced by innovators when moving through the commercialization process. 

The 3 funding tracks are described below. Please send questions to oce@ohsu.edu.

I. Gap Funding Technology Support

  • To be used for previously disclosed technologies that could benefit from a targeted grant to bridge a critical gap or achieve a significant milestone toward commercialization.
  • Technology development should be underway for projects seeking IDEA Gap Funding.
  • Technologies previously awarded grant funding (e.g., OCTRI Biomedical Innovation Program) are preferred.  

Applications are currently closed for gap funding, but please check back for future opportunities.

II. OHSU Startup Company Support

  • To be used as seed funds and SBIR/STTR matching funds for OHSU startups
  • Startup support is open to companies whose formation was dependent on the licensing of OHSU’s technology. These startups can apply for funding under 2 options: 1) up to $15,000 in seed funding for new startups 2) up to $15,000 in SBIR or STTR grant matching support for each award received.

III. Innovation and Commercialization Educational Support

  • To be used to support educational programming and events in support of innovation and commercialization efforts and benefiting the OHSU community.

Phase 0/00 funding

Business Oregon and OCTRI are helping Oregon small businesses access federal funding through successful Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Phase 0 submissions must be received a minimum of four weeks prior to the sponsoring federal agency's due dates.
  • The complete RFA is available here.
  • Have questions? Please email Jonathan Jubera.

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:

  • Up to $6,500 per year for a Phase I
  • Up to $50,000 across all years per Phase II project

Please contact Jonathan Jubera jubera@ohsu.edu, for more information.

OCTRI training grants

CTRC Career Development Support Award

The CTRC Career Development Support Award will support early career faculty members from OHSU as well as OCTRI Partners for studies associated with current mentored career development awards. View past RFA.

Other funding opportunities

Explore past pilot awards and award recipients

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Contact an OCTRI Navigator to connect with research resources

503-418-9790
octri@ohsu.edu

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Biomedical Innovation Program (BIP)

Apply for funding for your collaborative translational research.

Get the details

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Get funded

Review opportunities in the OHSU Funding Portal

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Quick list of OCTRI grant numbers

CTSA award: UL1TR002369
TL1 program: TL1TR002371
KL2 program: KL2TR002370

Details on citing OCTRI