Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund - Clinical Program

The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund Clinical Program is a state-funded initiative designed to advance the development and commercialization of human stem cell-based therapies. Administered through Maryland’s innovation ecosystem, the program reflects the state’s priority to support cutting-edge biomedical research that addresses serious diseases, injuries, and medical conditions. The program specifically focuses on accelerating clinical-stage research and fostering collaboration between academic institutions, private companies, and research organizations to bring therapies closer to patient application. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support clinical trials and related research activities involving human stem cells or technologies that enable or enhance their use. Eligible projects must demonstrate clear scientific rationale, defined milestones, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to clinical treatment or medical practice. The program emphasizes translational outcomes, including the development of therapeutic candidates and advancement toward commercialization. It also encourages collaboration across institutions and sectors, including partnerships between academic and industry entities. Funding under this program supports direct research costs only, with a maximum award of up to 1,000,000 dollars over a period of up to two years. Indirect costs are not allowable. Eligible expenses include salaries and fringe benefits for essential personnel, equipment, supplies, consultant services, contract services, collaboration expenses, travel, and publication costs. Travel expenses are capped, and international travel is not permitted. A key requirement of this program is a one-to-one matching contribution of non-state funds, which must be secured and documented as part of the application. Eligibility is broad and includes universities, nonprofit research institutions, for-profit companies, and other public or private organizations. Applicants may be based outside of Maryland; however, all funded research must be conducted within the state at an eligible clinical trial site. Projects must involve human stem cells, and applications involving clinical trials must have an Investigational New Drug or Investigational Device Exemption approval cleared by the FDA prior to submission. Additional compliance requirements include approvals from institutional review boards and other regulatory bodies before funding is disbursed. The application process is conducted through an online submission system and requires a comprehensive proposal package. Applicants must complete structured web form questions and submit multiple attachments, including a research summary, clinical research plan, clinical potential statement, resources and environment description, biosketches, budget justification, and supporting documentation. Additional required elements may include collaboration plans, bioethics statements, and institutional approvals. Applications must adhere strictly to formatting and page limits, and all materials must be compiled into a single PDF for submission. Applications undergo a multi-stage review process beginning with an eligibility and compliance review, followed by scientific peer review and evaluation by a review committee. Evaluation criteria include scientific merit, clinical impact, feasibility, use of human stem cells, team expertise, and the likelihood of successful outcomes. Applicants advancing to later stages must present their proposals in person to the review committee. Final funding decisions are made based on scoring and ranking, with award notifications issued after commission review. The current funding cycle has a submission deadline of June 23, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Peer review presentations are scheduled for late July 2026, with award announcements expected in September 2026. The program operates on a recurring cycle, typically with application opportunities in mid-January and mid-July each year. Funded projects must comply with reporting requirements, including mid-term and final reports, and participation in program meetings and symposiums throughout the project period.

Ensure FDA clearance prior to submission and clearly define milestones and clinical impact; align proposal with translational outcomes and commercialization potential