a2 Collective
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About
The a2 Collective represents the Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratories (AITC) for Aging Research program, which is dedicated to helping Americans live longer, healthier lives through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. The AITC program has earmarked $40M to fund promising AI-driven AgeTech projects aimed at improving care and health outcomes for older adults, including those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Pilot awardees may receive access to study sites, datasets, and resources at each AITC, mentorship from industry and university experts, major health systems, and venture capitalists. They are also eligible to apply for $10K in AWS credits and may become more competitive for SBIR/STTR grant funding. The program is funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health. The a2 Collective comprises three AITC Collaboratories: Johns Hopkins University (JH AITC), the University of Massachusetts Amherst (MassAITC), and the University of Pennsylvania (PennAITech), alongside the a2 Collective Coordinating Center.
Platform
Task
Features
• mentorship from industry and university experts
• access to study sites, datasets, and resources
• resources for innovators, including webinars and papers
• symposiums and events on ai/aging innovation
• national pilot project competitions
• improved competitiveness for sbir/sttr grant funding
• eligibility for $10k in aws credits
• funding for ai-driven agetech projects
FAQs
What organizations are eligible to apply for a2 Pilot Awards?
Eligible institutions must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number, including colleges, universities, healthcare systems, for-profit corporations, and nonprofits within the U.S. Foreign entities are not eligible.
May I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, provided your visa immigration status is acceptable and you are employed by a U.S. institution. Collaborations between U.S.-based and foreign institutions are allowed with NIH clearance.
What qualifications are required for the principal investigator (PI) and project team?
PIs need skills/knowledge to carry out the proposed project and an eRA Commons account. Experience with NIH grant application/funding and IRB processes for human subjects research is encouraged.
Are applications allowed to have multiple principal investigators (MPIs)?
Yes, applications can have multiple principal investigators (MPIs). The contact PI must be affiliated with the U.S.-based prime applicant organization, while MPIs can be from subcontract organizations.
Are individuals or projects that have received prior National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding eligible?
NIH policy prohibits overlapping support for the same research. Projects previously funded by NIH SBIR/STTR are not eligible if they propose incremental enhancements or new indications.
Are projects with existing collaborations with universities, research centers, or funding sources eligible to apply?
Existing collaborations and funding are not disqualifiers, as long as the project hasn't received prior federal funding, and the research portion isn't already funded by another source.
Can I apply to the a2 Pilot Awards competition more than once?
Yes. Applicants may apply to each competition and submit multiple unique pilot projects. However, simultaneous submission of overlapping pilot projects in a single cycle is not permitted.
Can one individual serve as PI on multiple a2 Pilot Awards-funded projects during the same award year?
Yes, as long as no overlap exists between the projects and the PI's overall effort across the projects and other commitments does not exceed 100 percent.
What is the target age range represented in the a2 Pilot Awards’ call for AI and technology solutions that improve care and health outcomes for older adults?
Older adults typically include individuals aged 65 and over. Depending on the issue, an age range starting younger (e.g., 50 or 55) or limited to the oldest old (e.g., 80+) may be appropriate.
How much funding is available?
Each pilot project can request up to $200,000 in direct costs for a 12-month period. Most funded projects do not exceed $100,000. Indirect costs are budgeted separately.
What type of expenses are allowable?
Funds can be used for personnel, services, project travel (including to the a2 National Symposium), equipment, research supplies, participant compensation, and publication costs. Not for general travel or meals.
Is the funding structured as a loan or investment?
Funding is awarded as a non-dilutive grant. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis, with project teams invoicing for expenses incurred on a schedule set by their AITC (e.g., quarterly or monthly).
Once awarded, are applicants expected to collaborate with the AITC?
Applicants are encouraged but not required to use AITC resources. PIs of funded projects are expected to engage in mentoring and oversight activities and play an active role in the AITC community.
Does the proposed technology or solution need to include AI, or can it be technology based with the potential for AI involvement?
The solution can be technology-based with potential for AI in later phases, but projects must focus on technology or algorithm development, not just applying existing technologies without meaningful adaptation.
Are clinical trials allowed?
No. Projects that constitute a clinical trial as defined by NIH are not eligible for funding in the fifth annual (2025) a2 Pilot Awards competition. Feasibility studies are eligible.
Pricing Plans
Free Access
Free Plan• Access to resources for AI/aging innovation
• Information on pilot awards and events
• Networking opportunities
• Access to expert mentorship
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