SPARK Accelerator Program for Pediatric Medical Countermeasure and Health Security Innovations

The SPARK Accelerator Program for Pediatric Medical Countermeasure and Health Security Innovations is a six-month, virtual, no-cost, equity-free program designed to support startups and academic innovators developing pediatric medical countermeasures and health security technologies. The accelerator is operated by Children's National Hospital in partnership with the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

Participants receive tailored support in:

• Regulatory strategy

• Clinical development

• Intellectual property

• Reimbursement pathways

• Commercialization planning

The program is open to non-U.S. applicants, making it accessible to Canadian innovators.

Technologies of Interest

SPARK is seeking innovations that support pediatric populations and align with BARDA's mission to address public health and health security threats. Areas of interest include:

• Diagnostics

• Medical devices

• Digital health technologies

• Therapeutics

• Vaccines

• Enabling technologies for pediatric product development and evidence generation

Specific enabling technologies of interest include:

• Pediatric digital twins

• Organoids, organ-on-chip, and other microphysiological systems

• Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) pediatric dosing models

• Simulation platforms for pediatric clinical trial design and response forecasting

Interested clients are encouraged to attend the Information Session on August 12, 2026 to learn more about the program and application process.

Interested and eligible applicants are encouraged to reach out to Aude-Alexia Véronneau so their participation can be logged and factored into future follow up.

Applications close on September 10.