What does the Hunter Program fund?

$100,000 to one project each year

The Hunter Family Foundation Innovation in Neuroscience Program awards $100,000 to one project each year for proof-of-concept or validation studies that move a Pitt neuroscience or rehabilitation science technology toward a license, a startup or follow-on funding. Projects follow a milestone-based plan and should be completed within 12 months of the start date. The Hunter Program does not fund proof-of-principle or hypothesis-based research.

See Hunter Program eligible expenses

Hunter Program funds may only be used for the direct costs of the activities in the approved project plan and budget. Non-faculty personnel costs will be considered, but personnel costs should be limited.

Eligible expenses include:

  • Lab supplies, research animals, prototyping supplies, fabrication or manufacturing expenses, and trial costs
  • Postdoc, student and technician salaries
  • Consultants, contract research organizations (CRO) and service providers. All providers must assign IP rights to the University before beginning work.
  • With prior approval from OIE, travel costs related directly to meeting an approved milestone

Ineligible expenses include:

  • Overhead/indirect costs
  • Faculty salaries
  • Tuition
  • Travel that is not tied to an approved project milestone
  • Capital equipment
  • Computer equipment
  • Publication costs

Who can apply?

Pitt faculty, postdocs, students and staff

The Hunter Program is open to Pitt faculty, postdocs, students and staff. Postdocs, students and staff must name a Pitt faculty member as principal investigator. An invention disclosure is not required to apply, but applicants selected for funding must submit one to OIE before the award is issued. The technology must be Pitt intellectual property that is not subject to existing options, licenses or corporate sponsored research agreements.

Read the full Hunter Program eligibility rules
  • The Hunter Program is open to Pitt faculty, postdocs, students, and staff. Postdocs, students, and staff must identify a Pitt faculty member to serve as the PI. 
  • Projects must support the further development or validation of intellectual property assigned to Pitt.  
  • An invention disclosure is not required to apply to the Hunter Program. However, applicants selected for funding will be required to submit an invention disclosure to OIE before an award can be issued.  
  • Under certain circumstances, funding from the Hunter Program may be used to support IP co-owned by Pitt and another academic institution. Investigators are encouraged to connect with their licensing manager regarding the ownership of their IP prior to submitting an application. 
  • The technology must be unencumbered from obligations that would prevent the University from moving forward with commercialization. The technology should be available for licensing to a Pitt licensed startup company or external third party and not subject to any pre-existing options, licenses, or corporate sponsored research agreements. 
  • Projects with funding from another source to complete the same work are not eligible. Applicants should not propose projects that have already been funded through a grant, contract, or other funding source, including Pitt internal funding mechanisms. 

When are applications due?

Opens Jan. 11, 2027

Hunter Program applications for the 2027 cycle open Jan. 11, 2027, and close Feb. 7, 2027. An informational webinar runs Jan. 20, 2027, noon to 1 p.m. Applications are submitted through Pitt InfoReady; the application link will be posted here when the cycle opens.

See all 2027 Hunter Program dates

2027 cycle (upcoming)

  • Applications open: Jan. 11, 2027
  • Informational webinar: Jan. 20, 2027, noon to 1 p.m.
  • Applications close: Feb. 7, 2027
  • Anticipated award date: March 29, 2027
  • Anticipated project start date: May 1, 2027

Who do I contact?

Sam Musselman

Questions about the Hunter Program go to Sam Musselman, Innovation Funding Manager, at smusselman@innovation.pitt.edu.

What does the Hunter Program fund?

$100,000 to one project each year

The Hunter Family Foundation Innovation in Neuroscience Program awards $100,000 to one project each year for proof-of-concept or validation studies that move a Pitt neuroscience or rehabilitation science technology toward a license, a startup or follow-on funding. Projects follow a milestone-based plan and should be completed within 12 months of the start date. The Hunter Program does not fund proof-of-principle or hypothesis-based research.

See Hunter Program eligible expenses

Hunter Program funds may only be used for the direct costs of the activities in the approved project plan and budget. Non-faculty personnel costs will be considered, but personnel costs should be limited.

Eligible expenses include:

  • Lab supplies, research animals, prototyping supplies, fabrication or manufacturing expenses, and trial costs
  • Postdoc, student and technician salaries
  • Consultants, contract research organizations (CRO) and service providers. All providers must assign IP rights to the University before beginning work.
  • With prior approval from OIE, travel costs related directly to meeting an approved milestone

Ineligible expenses include:

  • Overhead/indirect costs
  • Faculty salaries
  • Tuition
  • Travel that is not tied to an approved project milestone
  • Capital equipment
  • Computer equipment
  • Publication costs

Who can apply?

Pitt faculty, postdocs, students and staff

The Hunter Program is open to Pitt faculty, postdocs, students and staff. Postdocs, students and staff must name a Pitt faculty member as principal investigator. An invention disclosure is not required to apply, but applicants selected for funding must submit one to OIE before the award is issued. The technology must be Pitt intellectual property that is not subject to existing options, licenses or corporate sponsored research agreements.

Read the full Hunter Program eligibility rules
  • The Hunter Program is open to Pitt faculty, postdocs, students, and staff. Postdocs, students, and staff must identify a Pitt faculty member to serve as the PI. 
  • Projects must support the further development or validation of intellectual property assigned to Pitt.  
  • An invention disclosure is not required to apply to the Hunter Program. However, applicants selected for funding will be required to submit an invention disclosure to OIE before an award can be issued.  
  • Under certain circumstances, funding from the Hunter Program may be used to support IP co-owned by Pitt and another academic institution. Investigators are encouraged to connect with their licensing manager regarding the ownership of their IP prior to submitting an application. 
  • The technology must be unencumbered from obligations that would prevent the University from moving forward with commercialization. The technology should be available for licensing to a Pitt licensed startup company or external third party and not subject to any pre-existing options, licenses, or corporate sponsored research agreements. 
  • Projects with funding from another source to complete the same work are not eligible. Applicants should not propose projects that have already been funded through a grant, contract, or other funding source, including Pitt internal funding mechanisms. 

When are applications due?

Opens Jan. 11, 2027

Hunter Program applications for the 2027 cycle open Jan. 11, 2027, and close Feb. 7, 2027. An informational webinar runs Jan. 20, 2027, noon to 1 p.m. Applications are submitted through Pitt InfoReady; the application link will be posted here when the cycle opens.

See all 2027 Hunter Program dates

2027 cycle (upcoming)

  • Applications open: Jan. 11, 2027
  • Informational webinar: Jan. 20, 2027, noon to 1 p.m.
  • Applications close: Feb. 7, 2027
  • Anticipated award date: March 29, 2027
  • Anticipated project start date: May 1, 2027

Who do I contact?

Sam Musselman

Questions about the Hunter Program go to Sam Musselman, Innovation Funding Manager, at smusselman@innovation.pitt.edu.

The Hunter Program is a separate program from Pitt SPARK, Pitt.INC and the Commercialization Gap Fund. Each has its own award amount, eligibility rules and deadline.

About the Hunter Family Foundation Innovation in Neuroscience Program

The University of Pittsburgh Hunter Family Foundation Innovation in Neuroscience Program (the Hunter Program) was established to drive discoveries and technologies in the areas of nervous system injury, inflammation, and disease identified in the lab closer to products and treatments for patients. Made possible through the generosity of the Hunter Family, the program is designed to bridge the gap between academic bench science and commercial development by corporate partners or through the creation of new companies.

The Hunter Program awards $100,000 to one project each year to further develop Pitt technologies addressing unmet needs in neuroscience and rehabilitation science. Applicants need compelling proof-of-principle or proof-of-concept data.

The Hunter Program, administered by the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE), provides:

  • Funding for key proof-of-concept or validation studies for technologies in the field of neuroscience and  
  • Innovation and commercialization education and training.  

Funding is granted in the form of either: 

  • Proof-of-Concept and Prototype Funds to support key proof-of-concept studies, including in vivo experiments, hit-to-lead studies, prototype development, or benchtop testing or   
  • Precommercialization Project Funds to support key validation studies, including IND/IDE-enabling studies, pharm/tox studies, or develop ability assays. 

Projects must be focused on advancing technologies towards commercialization and the use of innovations outside of the academic environment. Funding cannot be used for proof-of-principle or hypothesis-based research.

Past Hunter Program Awardees

Hunter Family Foundation Funds Novel Approach to Optimizing Parkinson’s Therapy

Helen Schwerdt and Ritesh Shrivastav are developing a high-resolution dopamine sensor designed to help personalize deep brain stimulation and medication for people with Parkinson’s disease. The project aims to better understand dopamine signaling during DBS and improve clinical outcomes.

Read about the Hunter Program grant recipients

“BCI controlled-compact robotics for restoring upper limb function”

Principal Investigator: Jennifer Collinger, Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

For many individuals who experience spinal cord injuries or similar conditions, motor impairments are permanent leading to a loss of independence. Pitt researchers are developing brain-computer interface controlled robotics for improving the lives of people with upper limb paralysis or limb loss. Funding will support robot, and virtual robot, control experiments with a participant.

 

Read about the Hunter Program grant recipients

“Novel stimulation method for the recovery of hand paralysis”

Principal Investigator: Marco Capogrosso, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery

Hand paralysis is the most critical deficit impacting every aspect of the social, professional and personal lives of people with spinal cord injury, stroke and other disorders. Pitt researchers are developing new neurotechnologies to stimulate electrodes implanted in the brain of spinal cord injury and stroke patients so they can regain control of their hands after paralysis. Funding will support key experiments demonstrating proof-of-concept that their innovative stimulation approach can maximize neural drive and enhance motor control.

 

Read about the Hunter Program grant recipients

“Deep Brain Stimulation to improve speech and swallowing after Traumatic Brain Injury”

Awardee: Jordyn Ting, Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Principal Investigator: Elvira Pirondini, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

In the US alone, over 2 million people are living with dysphagia caused by traumatic brain injury or stroke. Pitt researchers have developed a deep brain stimulation (DBS) methodology that restores swallowing function in these patients by increasing activation of the oropharyngeal muscles required for swallowing. Funding will support key experiments to further validate the technology, as well as regulatory consulting support in preparation for seeking FDA approval.

Read about the Hunter Program grant recipients

About The Hunter Program

  • The Hunter Family Foundation Innovation in Neuroscience Program is a competitive innovation funding program for technologies addressing unmet needs in the field of neuroscience.  
  • The Hunter Program awards $100,000 to one project each year in the form of either:
    • Proof-of-Concept and Prototype Funds to support key proof-of-concept studies, including in vivo experiments, hit-to-lead studies, prototype development, or benchtop testing or  
    • Precommercialization Project Funds to support key validation studies, including IND/IDE-enabling studies, pharm/tox studies, or develop ability assays. 
  • Awardees are required to communicate and engage with OIE regularly to track project progress and to participate in innovation and commercialization education and events. Communications include a project kickoff meeting, progress reports, and update meetings. 
  • Funding is released according to a milestone-based project plan developed in collaboration with OIE. Each project will have 1-3 quantifiable technical/scientific milestones and 1-2 business development milestones. Examples of business development milestones include customer discovery training, curated education, market assessments, or outreach to potential industry partners.  
  • Projects are expected to start within one month of the award date (pending any necessary regulatory approvals or purchasing contracts) and should be completed within 12 months of the project start date. Applicants should ensure that timelines are appropriate for the proposed milestones and that the resources are available to meet the Hunter Program requirements and timeline. 
  • Desired outcomes of funded projects include: 
    • Development and de-risking of Pitt intellectual property, 
    • Follow–on federal, foundation, or industry funding, 
    • Creation of commercialization opportunities through industry partnerships or new venture creation, and/or 
    • Impactful use of Pitt technology outside of the lab. 

  • The Hunter Program is open to Pitt faculty, postdocs, students, and staff. Postdocs, students, and staff must identify a Pitt faculty member to serve as the PI. 
  • Projects must support the further development or validation of intellectual property assigned to Pitt.  
  • An invention disclosure is not required to apply to the Hunter Program. However, applicants selected for funding will be required to submit an invention disclosure to OIE before an award can be issued.  
  • Under certain circumstances, funding from the Hunter Program may be used to support IP co-owned by Pitt and another academic institution. Investigators are encouraged to connect with their licensing manager regarding the ownership of their IP prior to submitting an application. 
  • The technology must be unencumbered from obligations that would prevent the University from moving forward with commercialization. The technology should be available for licensing to a Pitt licensed startup company or external third party and not subject to any pre-existing options, licenses, or corporate sponsored research agreements. 
  • Projects with funding from another source to complete the same work are not eligible. Applicants should not propose projects that have already been funded through a grant, contract, or other funding source, including Pitt internal funding mechanisms. 

  • The Hunter Program grants a single award each year selected through a competitive request for proposals.  
  • Applications for the 2027 Hunter Program cycle open Jan. 11, 2027, on Pitt InfoReady. The application link will be posted here when the cycle opens. Applications are reviewed by OIE and an advisory board with domain expertise.
  • Final technical/scientific and business development milestones are developed in collaboration with OIE. 

The goal of the Hunter Program is to accelerate the development of novel technologies discovered in the lab into services and products addressing unmet health needs in the field of neuroscience. Projects are selected for commercialization potential and societal impact using the following criteria.  

  • Eligibility and fit for the Hunter Program
  • Scientific merit and novelty 
  • Status and strength of the intellectual property 
  • Market opportunity 
  • Customer and/or industry feedback 
  • Feasibility of the proposed project 
  • Team qualifications 

Funds from the Hunter Program may only be used for the direct costs of the activities detailed in the approved project plan and budget. Non-faculty personnel costs will be considered, but it is preferred that personnel costs are limited. 

Eligible expenses include:

  • Lab supplies, research animals, prototyping supplies, fabrication or manufacturing expenses, and trial costs 
  • Postdoc, student, and technician salaries
  • Consultants, contract research organizations (CRO), and service providers. All providers are required to assign IP rights to the University prior to beginning work
  • With prior approval from OIE, travel costs related directly to meeting an approved milestone

Ineligible expenses include:

  • Overhead/indirect costs
  • Faculty salaries
  • Tuition
  • Travel
  • Capital equipment
  • Computer equipment
  • Publication costs

  • Applications open: Jan. 11, 2027
  • Informational webinar: Jan. 20, 2027, noon to 1 p.m.
  • Applications close: Feb. 7, 2027
  • Anticipated award date: March 29, 2027
  • Anticipated project start date: May 1, 2027

Contact Information

 

Sam Musselman
Innovation Funding Manager
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