Events

Breakthrough T1D invites startups and early-stage companies pursuing research relevant to our research strategy to apply.  Breakthrough T1D’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and its complications.  Areas of particular interest include:

Disease Modifying Therapies

• Immune Modulation – Therapies to disable auto-reactivity, enhance immune regulation, or beneficially alter the inflammatory process
• Beta Cell Protection – Approaches to improve beta cell survival and function in the face of autoimmune attack
• Beta Cell Regeneration – Strategies to stimulate cell growth, proliferation, or transdifferentiation of functional beta cells in vivo

Cell Therapies

• Immune Protection and Resilience – Localized immune modulation, novel immune suppression, or alternative strategies to protect transplanted pancreatic islets
• Alternative Implantation Sites – Novel approaches for delivery of pancreatic islets beyond portal vein infusion
• Vascularization and Engraftment – Technologies to enhance survival and fibrosis-free host integration of the graft post-transplantation
• Technologies enabling the manufacturing of insulin-producing cells at an increased scale such as novel bioreactors or cryopreservation reagents.
• Graft Monitoring  – Systems for non-invasive monitoring of implanted islets and biomarkers for beta cell health or transplant rejection

Early Detection

• Screening and Monitoring – Strategies and tools to expand genetic, autoantibody, and metabolic/glycemic detection and monitoring at presymptomatic T1D stages in the general population
• Risk Assessment Tools – Next-generation autoantibody assays, genetic risk scores, and biomarkers that improve prediction of onset and rate of progression
• AI-driven approaches to generate algorithms based off medical records to improve the clinical diagnosis of T1D in adults

Improving Lives

• Glucose and Metabolic Control – Next-generation insulins (i.e. glucose responsive insulin and ultra rapid insulin) and non-insulin therapies used in conjunction with insulin to improve glycemic and broader metabolic control
• Devices – Technologies advancing toward fully closed loop insulin delivery systems, combined CGM-pump devices, and multi-analyte monitoring systems. Additional analytes (in addition to glucose) must have a strong rationale for improving T1D care.
• Long-Term Complications – Novel or repurposed therapies to prevent, delay, or reverse diabetic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or diabetic retinopathy with particular relevance in T1D

Applicants are encouraged to review Breakthrough T1D’s research strategy documents for Cures (https://www.breakthrought1d.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Breakthrough-T1D-Research-Strategy-Cures-1.pdf) and Improving Lives (https://www.breakthrought1d.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Breakthrough-T1D-Research-Strategy-Improving-Lives.pdf) to better understand our research priorities across these programs.  Strategic fit and scientific inquiries may be directed to Alan Chiu (achiu@breakthrought1d.org). 

Applications will be judged using the following criteria:

• Alignment with Breakthrough T1D’s research strategy
• Scientific rationale and supporting data for application in T1D
• Innovation and differentiation from existing approaches
• Potential for clinical impact and improved outcomes for T1D patients

Application Close: September 11

Award Event: October 21

Apply here!