Program Overview
The MLSC is not an available source of cost-sharing for NIIMBL Project Call 5.1. Please reach out to NIIMBLMA@masslifesciences.com with any questions.
The MLSC has partnered with the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) to accelerate biopharmaceutical manufacturing innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness in this industry.
NIIMBL member-organizations will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry, academia, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations to develop methods, tools and educational programs to drive efficient, effective and safe manufacturing standards and best practices. Your organization will not only have input and involvement on NIIMBL projects, but benefit from the shared knowledge of its partners as well. Through these partnerships and potential to cost-share projects, NIIMBL members are able to shape the direction of research and provide expertise in diverse areas of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Eligibility & Evaluation
NIIMBL Project Call 4.1
Project Call 4.1 will occur in two phases: a Concept stage followed by invitations to a subset of teams to submit Full Proposals. Concept Paper submissions are expected to be due on October 22, 2020. Concept submissions will include a short PowerPoint slide deck with pre-recorded voiceover, in addition to a short written concept paper. Invitations to Full Proposals are anticipated to be made around December 1, 2020. The deadline for Full Proposal submission is anticipated to be in Q1 2021. Additional details regarding Concept Papers and Full Proposals will be provided in the RFP. Download the Project Call 4.1 Technology, Workforce, and Global Health RFPs below:
Technology: Project Call 4.1T
Workforce: Project Call 4.1W
Global Health Fund: Project Call 4.1G
When submitting for a Project Call, teams with a Massachusetts-based, not-for-profit academic institution partner will be eligible to request supplemental cost sharing from the Center. MA non-profit applicants requesting MLSC cost-share will need to reach out as soon as they have been invited to submit a full proposal, and will be required to submit their complete application the week of Jan 4, 2021 for review. Select MA non-profit applicants will also be asked to present their proposals to a panel of experts. Reimbursement of funds will be provided to the Massachusetts-based academic institution for capital expenses only. The MLSC will not reimburse membership fees and other costs that are not related to equipment or construction.
Each NIIMBL Project Call will specify a deadline to provide their proposal to the MLSC in as complete of form as possible. Upon administrative review, the Center will invite the applicant to present to a panel of biomanufacturing experts. Applicants will provide a brief presentation, followed by questions from the review panel. The MLSC will provide feedback to make any changes necessary to the NIIMBL proposal to receive MLSC cost-share support. Ahead of the Project Call submission deadline, the agency will coordinate with the Project Manager to complete a Cover Sheet and provide a letter of support from our President and CEO. NIIMBL will then notify the applicant of the organization’s decision to fund the proposal.
Please note: NIIMBL approved proposals are subject to a final vote before the MLSC’s Board of Directors.
As a NIIMBL Member, you will benefit from:
Committee Seats – NIIMBL technology, workforce, and regulatory agendas are driven and shaped by the Technical Activities Committee (TAC), Workforce Activities Committee (WAC) and Regulatory Considerations Committee (RCC). Your membership may grant your organization seats on these committees. Your participation on these committees gives you a voice in shaping the technology, workforce and regulatory agendas.
Shared IP – Depending on your membership level, your organization will have access to IP developed through this initiative.
Projects – Participate in NIIMBL project calls. Your organization will have the opportunity to partner with other NIIMBL members to propose and contribute to Institute-funded projects.
Networking Opportunities – Collaboration with other members will allow you to share resources and ideas across industry sectors.
Resources
National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) Website.
Technology: Project Call 4.1T
Workforce: Project Call 4.1W
Global Health Fund: Project Call 4.1G
Impact on the Ecosystem
In 2016, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center announced its partnership in the nation’s first biomanufacturing innovation institute, known as the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). The MLSC committed up to $20 million for five years as an anchor to the northeastern node for the biopharmaceutical manufacturing project. A consortium of small, medium and large biopharmaceutical industry partners from regionally leads the NIIMBL project across the supply chain, along with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Quincy College, UMass Lowell, UMass Medical School, and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
Since 2016, the MLSC has committed more than $21 million to leverage continued investment to accelerate biomanufacturing innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading manufacturing workforce.
Connect with us to Learn More
The MLSC is not an available source of cost-sharing for NIIMBL Project Call 5.1. Please reach out to NIIMBLMA@masslifesciences.com with any questions.
