Screening for Conditions by Electronic Nose Technology (SCENT III) (Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Screening for Conditions by Electronic Nose Technology (SCENT III) opportunity is a forecasted federal funding initiative administered by the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. This program builds on prior research investments in biosensing and translational science, focusing on advancing innovative diagnostic technologies. The initiative is grounded in the broader mission of accelerating the development and delivery of medical treatments and diagnostic tools to improve health outcomes. By leveraging engineering, artificial intelligence, and biological insights, the program seeks to transform how diseases are detected and monitored. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development of electronic nose technologies that mimic the human olfactory system. These systems are designed to detect volatile organic compounds emitted from human skin, which serve as biomarkers associated with a wide range of diseases. Previous iterations of this program demonstrated the feasibility of such technologies, and this phase aims to enhance sensing accuracy, detection capabilities, and analytical integration. The goal is to create noninvasive diagnostic platforms capable of real time, in situ disease detection and monitoring in everyday environments. Funding under this opportunity will support research and development activities related to improving sensor technologies, refining detection methods, and integrating analytical tools into usable diagnostic systems. The resulting technologies are expected to complement existing diagnostic methods such as blood tests, which are often invasive, costly, and require specialized infrastructure. The program emphasizes translational impact, meaning that funded projects should move beyond basic research toward practical applications that can be validated and eventually approved for clinical or regulatory use. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without tax exempt status, small businesses, and various levels of government including state, county, city, and tribal entities. Both federally recognized and non federally recognized tribal organizations are eligible, along with independent school districts and certain international entities. Federal agencies and U.S. territories may also participate. This wide eligibility reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the research and the need for collaboration across sectors. The application process is expected to follow standard NIH cooperative agreement submission procedures, though specific requirements will be detailed upon official release of the notice of funding opportunity. Applicants should anticipate preparing comprehensive proposals that include technical research plans, integration strategies, and validation approaches. While no pre application requirement is explicitly stated in the forecast, applicants should monitor for potential updates regarding letters of intent or preliminary submissions. Applications will likely be submitted through established federal grant systems, and compliance with NIH policies and formatting guidelines will be required. The timeline for this opportunity indicates that it is currently in a forecast stage, with an estimated application due date of June 5, 2026. The estimated award date and project start date are both April 5, 2027, indicating a substantial review and selection period. The opportunity is not marked as recurring, and no cost sharing or matching requirement is specified. Contact information is provided for a program officer who can address inquiries related to the opportunity. Overall, this funding initiative represents a strategic effort to advance noninvasive diagnostic technologies and accelerate their translation into real world healthcare applications.