Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) - Proposers' Day

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is seeking innovative solutions for the Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) Exploratory Topic. This initiative aims to reverse brain damage and disease by developing methods to regrow normal, region-specific brain tissue from transplanted precursor tissue. The program focuses on various brain regions, including the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus, striatum, cingulate cortex, substantia nigra, brainstem, and cerebellum, while explicitly excluding the neocortex and spinal cord. The effort is divided into two technical areas: the design of tissue engineering methods to generate human iPSC-derived precursor cells and the demonstration of surgical engraftment proof-of-concept using non-human fetal precursor tissues in adult preclinical models. This 18-month exploratory effort is structured into two nine-month phases. Successful outcomes must include validated methods for generating region-specific precursor tissue and demonstrated surgical delivery that ensures survival, vascularization, and appropriate connections. Notably, standard cell and state-of-the-art organoid-based approaches will not be considered, as the agency prefers methods that closely mimic natural development. Interested parties must submit a mandatory solution summary in response to the Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO). While the initial special notice served as an informational announcement and Proposers Day event, the final response deadline for the opportunity is February 6, 2027.