The PDIC was established to serve creators of the very best innovations and solutions for pediatric care. The PDIC provides funding support and expert guidance for funded projects, including clinical needs assessment; engineering and technical product development; regulatory; intellectual property and commercialization.
The following innovators are eligible to apply for PDIC funding
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University of Minnesota clinicians and researchers with a concept for a new technology or an existing pediatric health innovation
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Industry or community-based collaborators working with a University of MInnesota partner to advance a pediatric product or service
Additional Details:
Award amounts are based on the needs of the project and typically include between 1 and 3 well defined technical milestones.
Projects selected for funding meet the following major criteria:
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There is a University of Minnesota project champion
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The solution addresses an important, validated unmet need in pediatric health
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The scope of work aims to develop an innovation that is intended for eventual patient access beyond a research setting (i.e. commercially available or open sourced)
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Project proposes a novel solution that addresses gaps in current technology
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Project proposes a logical and feasible scope of work that can meaningfully advance the innovation
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Support advances PDIC's mission and transfer of knowledge for the public good
Submission and Review Processes
If you believe that your project meets the criteria listed above, you may submit an application through the Office of Discovery and Translation application portal.
The PDIC Management Team will review your Letter of Intent for eligibility criteria and alignment with program goals. Projects meeting these criteria will be invited to submit a funding application, which will be reviewed by the PDIC Management Team and a team of PDIC Advisors. Funding for approved projects may be issued in milestones at the discretion of the PDIC
Typical Review Timelines:
Funding application review ~4-6 weeks
Actual review timelines may vary depending on the number of new submission in review and specific attributes of the project/technology
Project funding is provided by the University of Minnesota, CTSI Office of Discovery and Translation
Pediatric Device Seed Funding Award 2025
Currently accepting applications through May 20, 2025
The University of Minnesota Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium is pleased to offer its second annual Pediatric Device Seed Funding Award as part of its participation in the FDA-funded Southwest-Midwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium (SWPDC). The purpose of these awards is to foster the innovation of pediatric medical devices specifically designed for children. One seed funding award of $20k is available for 2025.
The initial application consists of a short questionnaire, an itemized budget, and a CV or Biographical Sketch. Further information may be requested by the program staff. Please carefully review the eligibility criteria below before applying.
The application deadline is 1:00 PM CT on Tuesday, May 20, 2025
SWPDC is a multi-institutional consortium that is supported by an FDA P50 grant, anchored by Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) and Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), and is dedicated to improving children’s health by supporting pediatric device innovators to create novel pediatric medical devices with local, regional, and national institutional and innovation partners. Beginning in 2023, the University of Minnesota PDIC is part of the SWPDC.
Target Uses of Seed Funding
This funding opportunity is intended to support the development, testing and/or implementation of pediatric medical devices, digital health technologies that will be regulated by the FDA Target Uses of Seed Funding:
Eligibility Criteria
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Open to any individual or companies developing a pediatric medical device. Small businesses are particularly encouraged to apply
All awarded funds (type 1 College funds) must be spent (not encumbered) in the one-year period ending July 31, 2026. No-cost extensions will NOT be granted. Any unused funds will be returned to UMN.
Use of Funds
Funds may be used for expenses and activities associated with the development of a pediatric device including:
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Personnel including for the PI (salary and applicable fringe benefits to allow for research time) or for postdocs and graduate students and other professional and technical staff.
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Consultant expenses associated with device development (regulatory, intellectual property, etc.) including in the start-up company associated with the device
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Engineering design/prototyping / manufacturing expenses
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Study equipment
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Study supplies
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Clinical trial expenses
Funds may NOT be used towards the following:
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Office equipment and furniture
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Tuition
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Dues and membership fees
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Maintenance/service contracts
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Construction, alteration, maintenance or rental of buildings or building space
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Recruiting/relocation expenses
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Entertainment/social expenses
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Pre-award cost
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Indirect Costs
Instructions for Preparing Your Application:
Please read and follow the instructions carefully.
Required Application Items:
This online application, including itemized budget with justification
Submission and Review Process
Online applications are due by 1:00 PM CT, May 20, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by a PDIC review committee. Notification of application outcome will be sent by June 30, 2025.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following categories: Significance, Innovation, Feasibility
Progress Report
Progress reports are required on a six-month basis. The progress report should detail the progress made on the project.