The Bridge Award

Non-dilutive funding and hands-on support to carry an early bioinnovation from preliminary data to an investment-ready proof of concept.

Pilot cycle · Now open

The Bridge Award at a glance

$250,000In Available Funding for 2026 Cohort
3–5 awardsFaculty–trainee teams at partner institutions
Up to 24 monthsMilestone-driven project period
0% equityFully non-dilutive: no equity, IP or licensing share

How it works

  1. Download/Read the RFPEligibility, budget rules and review criteria in one document.
  2. Apply by December 1Submit one PDF package online by 5:00 pm MST.
  3. Pitch as a finalistA 20-minute presentation to the Y-BIO board in late January.
  4. Get fundedPaid 50/40/10 in tranches tied to one midpoint milestone.
  5. Reach proof of conceptWith a dedicated Y-BIO liaison working beside your team.
Submit ApplicationApplications due December 1, 2026, 5:00 pm MST

Key dates and deadlines

  1. October 1, 2026Request for proposals released
  2. December 1, 2026 · 5:00 pm MSTApplications due
  3. First week of January 2027Finalists notified
  4. Last week of January 2027Finalist presentations
  5. First week of February 2027Award decisions announced
  6. March 1, 2027Earliest project start