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Grants and awards to USA, Canada, and International researchers with an advanced degree (i.e., MD, PhD, MS, or PharmD), for scientific research projects that may result in new treatments for people with epilepsy. To start the application process, applicants must submit a letter of intent. Funding is intended to accelerate therapies onto the market in a timeframe that will make a difference.

ETP provides new therapy commercialization grants (NTCG) to support later-stage development projects past proof of concept stages. For projects that are beyond the resources of the Epilepsy Foundation, applicants can also apply for an Epilepsy Innovation Seal of Excellence award (SEAL). The SEAL is not a grant program but an official housekeeping seal of approval that a team can use to generate further venture capital interest. The SEAL awards undergo the same application and review process as the NTCG.

Areas of interest for the Foundation include:

- Novel approaches to treatment.
- Platform technology to advance screening techniques that can be utilized by multiple laboratories, including utility of techniques for early proof-of-concept trials.
- Adaptation of treatment in development for another therapeutic area to assess utility for epilepsy (while maintaining patent protection).

These grants support the development of more effective therapies by serving as a catalyst for moving innovative therapies from the laboratory to the patient. Note that preference will be given to proposals that already have a commercial partner engaged to assist with development and to proposals that have committed or matched funding from the sponsoring institution, commercial partner or other third-party source. For the New Therapy Commercialization Grants, applicants must demonstrate background work beyond the proof of concept / basic science discovery stage.

The Foundation supports projects spanning diagnostics and devices to small molecules and biologics. For programs that seek to develop diagnostics and/or devices, projects must be in later stage feasibility testing or in the proof of value stage (i.e. there should be a minimal viable product (MVP) prototype with a product IFU (instructions for use) to be competitive. For programs that seek to develop potential drugs through small molecules and biologics, there must be at least one lead compound identified, which may be at the pre-IND (Investigational New Drug application) to be competitive for a New Therapy Commercialization Grant. Investigators of drugs are strongly advised to have their compounds screened, as appropriate, by the NINDS ETSP Program prior to applying.

Priorities Will Be Given To:

- Research programs that might not otherwise be funded through traditional sources.
- Projects that encourage collaboration among scientists and industry.
- Projects with full intellectual property (IP) rights (composition of matter) are preferred over method of use IP.