Objective

The NY FIRST medical school grant program provides capital funding to encourage recruitment and retention of exceptional life science researchers focused on translational research by supporting the establishment or upgrading of the researchers’ laboratories.

Overview

NY FIRST makes available a maximum grant of $1 million to eligible institutional applicants. These funds are to be used for capital expenditures only, including, but not limited to: costs relating to the design, acquisition, construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of laboratory space; the purchase of equipment; and other capital expenses.  Grantees are required to provide $2 in matching funds for every $1 of NY FIRST program assistance.

Grants will be awarded to create new laboratory space or to upgrade existing laboratory space at recipient institutions intending to attract or retain Principal Investigators engaging in translational research to head such laboratories.

Program grant awards will be made through an annual competitive grant solicitation, for up to three years, or until funds are fully committed.  No more than one award will be made per applicant each year. 

The total amount of funding available under this program is $15 million.

Eligibility

Only medical schools in New York State are eligible to apply for NY FIRST grants.

The scientific talent recruited or retained to head these new or upgraded laboratories must have a history of translational research and must be pursuing research on an innovative solution for an unmet clinical need. A clear path to commercialization must be demonstrated.     

In addition, the scientific talent must:

• Demonstrate a history of entrepreneurship and funding, and have sufficient funding to support the research project being undertaken for at least three years;
• Be tenured or be on a tenure track;
• Hire or retain at least one scientist or doctoral student full-time; and
• Be employed, or have been recently employed, by an institution or company outside New York State, or have a bona fide offer from an institution that would lead him/her to leave New York State.
   

The research to be undertaken must have the potential to result in significant life sciences economic   development benefits in New York State, such as: increased patent applications and patentable discoveries; increased recruitment/retention of medical school faculty focused on translational research; or increase in the number of life sciences jobs created or retained.  There are no restrictions in terms of the therapeutic area of research being pursued.

Guidelines

Click here to view the NY FIRST Program capital guidelines.

NY FIRST Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to view frequently asked questions. 

How to Apply

How can I obtain an application to apply for the NY FIRST Program?

Click here to download an application for NY FIRST.  You can also request an application by sending an email to: lifesciences@esd.ny.gov
Applications for 2018 must be submitted no later than June 15, 2018.

CONTACT INFORMATION
lifesciences@esd.ny.gov