Inauguarl SPARK Tank Comeptition Set for Aug. 4
June 23, 2026
Are you a University of Virginia innovator with a strong therapeutic or clinical application?
Are you in need of targeted funding to advance your application?
If the answers to both these questions are "yes," then SPARK Tank -- a live pitch competition hosted by the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology -- is for you!
SPARK Tank features an award pool of $250,000, plus follow-on funding ready to go. The deadline to apply is July 8; the event takes place Aug. 4.
Proposals will be evaluated based on impact, feasibility, and potential for real-world application.
The competition also reflects the principles of SPARK research -- an approach focused on supporting early-stage discoveries and helping researchers translate promising ideas into practical solutions. By combining mentorship, funding insight and real-world feedback, SPARK empowers innovators to move breakthroughs closer to patients and impact.
Funding decisions will be based on the strength of the underlying science, translational potential, proximity to a meaningful inflection point, the position along the drug development or clinical translation pathway and the extent to which targeted support would advance progress. Awards are not predetermined and will reflect the quality, readiness, and comparative strength of the projects presented.
Click HERE to apply.