Call for Proposals: 2026 BRIDGe Drug Development Grants

The Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has launched its 2026 global Request for Proposals for the BRIDGe (Bridging Research and Innovation in Drug Development) program. BRIDGe awards support academic researchers in advancing promising therapeutics beyond the "valley of death," helping move discoveries from the lab toward patient impact.

The 2026 RFP introduces a new track focused on polycystic kidney disease (PKD), in partnership with the PKD Foundation, and continues to support projects in brain health, pediatrics, and rare and orphan diseases.

As a nonprofit drug development accelerator, C-Path provides selected awardees with funding, drug development and regulatory expertise, and hands-on guidance to build data packages that can attract biotech and pharmaceutical investment for clinical trials. Eligible platforms include small molecules, protein-based therapeutics, and in vivo gene-based therapies.

The University of Tennessee Research Foundation is happy to help with any questions or discussions on how to proceed with this grant opportunity. Contact James Parrett, JD, PharmD, UT Research Foundation.