University Lab Partners Opens Applications for the I-CREATE Program -- Offering up to $200K in Funding and a $50K Cash Prize

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- University Lab Partners (ULP), in partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), today announced that applications are now open for the I-CREATE program and accelerator. Together, these programs will provide innovators with non-dilutive funding ranging from $50,000 to $200,000, hands-on mentorship, and the opportunity to win a $50,000 cash prize. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2025.

Accelerating Breakthroughs in Health Security

The I-CREATE (International Consortium for Research, Engineering, Acceleration of Technology Excellence) initiative is BARDA's Medical Devices & Diagnostics Hub, created to advance life-saving health security solutions.

Through these two tracks under the I-CREATE program, ULP will select a cohort of startups and university innovators developing transformative diagnostics and medical devices that address pressing challenges in pandemic preparedness, infectious disease detection, and health equity.

Areas of interest include:

• High-sensitivity, cost-effective molecular diagnostics, including at-home and point-of-care solutions
• Novel detection methods such as breath analysis and pathogen-agnostic platforms
• Deployable diagnostics designed for underserved and rural communities
• Proof-of-concept validation for breakthrough health security technologies

Program Opportunities

I-CREATE Accelerator (12-week virtual program):

• Cohort: Ten teams selected
• Program Features: Weekly curriculum for 12 weeks with education and presentation on topics in business development, competitive analysis, market research, go-to-market strategy, fundraising and much more.
• Virtual Showcase: Culminates in a high-profile pitch event with investors and federal agencies
• Prize: A grand prize of $50,000 cash awarded to the winning team

I-CREATE Non-Dilutive Funding (6 months):

• Up to $200K for a 6-month proposal to explore how your innovation can address public health emergencies.
• Milestone-based funding covering labor, supplies, reagents, and related expenses
• Ongoing opportunities to engage in BARDA activities for partnerships, collaborations, and additional funding pathways
• Six-month of mentorship with dedicated lead mentor, plus continuous access to a network of expert mentors and advisors

Leadership Perspective

"Through I-CREATE, we're combining funding, mentorship, and access to strategic networks to accelerate the next generation of diagnostic platforms for innovations to combat public health emergencies," said Stephanie Chan, Director of Innovation Programs at University Lab Partners. "This year's Accelerator program and funding will provide a unique opportunity for national and global innovators to transform breakthrough ideas into deployable solutions that advance health security for all."

Key Dates

About University Lab Partners

University Lab Partners (ULP) is a nonprofit wet-lab incubator and accelerator based in Orange County, California, with facilities in Irvine and Aliso Viejo. ULP supports life science startups with infrastructure, community, and accelerator programming to move innovations from concept to commercialization.

About BARDA Accelerator Network

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leads national efforts to develop and deploy medical countermeasures for public health emergencies. Through the BARDA Accelerator Network, programs like I-CREATE provide innovators with funding, technical expertise, and commercialization support.

This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under agreement number 75A50124C00007.

Website: universitylabpartners.org

SOURCE University Lab Partners