New Generation of Glucose Control Technologies Incorporating AI/ML Tools/Strategies (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA DK 27 146

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DK 27 146

The NIH is soliciting R01 research applications under the funding opportunity titled "New Generation of Glucose Control Technologies Incorporating AI/ML Tools/Strategies (Clinical Trial Optional)" (RFA-DK-27-146). The central aim is to push diabetes technology beyond current limitations by supporting projects that directly tackle the practical and scientific barriers preventing open-loop and closed-loop control systems from becoming more effective, more reliable, and easier to live with in real-world settings. The emphasis is on type 1 diabetes (T1D), with the bigger picture goal of improving glycemic outcomes while also reducing the day-to-day burden of management and improving quality of life for people with T1D and their families.

The opportunity is designed to support a range of technology-forward approaches that could substantially strengthen automated and decision-supported glucose control. The NOFO highlights four major research directions: first, innovation in sensing, meaning new or improved ways to measure glucose or other relevant analytes and physiological signals that can inform control decisions (for example, signals related to insulin needs, stress, activity, meals, or other metabolic states). Second, novel formulation and delivery of hormones, which can include advances in how insulin and potentially other hormones used in diabetes management are formulated, delivered, timed, or combined to better match physiology and improve responsiveness and safety. Third, AI and machine learning driven tools and algorithms, focusing on smarter control logic, prediction, personalization, anomaly detection, or decision support that can adapt to individual variability and changing conditions. Fourth, digital twin modeling, where computational models representing an individual (or patient subgroups) are used to simulate physiology and treatment responses, with the intent of augmenting clinical decision support and automated control strategies and improving system performance.

This NOFO is linked to the congressionally supported Special Diabetes Program administered through NIDDK, which funds research aimed at preventing, treating, and ultimately curing type 1 diabetes and its complications. In practice, that connection signals a strong programmatic interest in high-impact, innovative, and often collaborative work that can move the field toward next-generation solutions, including work that may feed into broader consortia, shared platforms, or clinical trial networks supported by the program. While clinical trials are not required, the mechanism is "clinical trial optional," meaning applicants may propose projects that include a clinical trial component if it is appropriate for the scientific aims and readiness of the technology.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant opportunity using the NIH R01 funding instrument within the health activity category (CFDA 93.847). The listed award ceiling is $500,000, and NIH expects to make about 5 awards, indicating a competitive program with a limited number of funded projects. The posted closing date is June 17, 2026, and the opportunity was created on May 7, 2026. Applications will typically be expected to make a clear case that the proposed work addresses a concrete bottleneck in current glucose control systems and that the results could meaningfully improve automated control and/or decision support in a way that translates to better outcomes and lower burden for people living with T1D.

Eligibility is broad and includes many common NIH applicant types: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education where relevant); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other eligible entities. A notable feature is that foreign organizations are eligible to apply directly, and foreign components of U.S. organizations are allowed, consistent with NIH policy. This makes the program open to international collaborations and non-U.S. applicants where the scientific expertise, data resources, or technology development capabilities are best suited to achieving the goals of next-generation glucose control.

Overall, the opportunity is aimed at accelerating practical, next-step advances in diabetes technology by supporting research that improves sensing, hormone delivery, AI/ML-enabled control and decision support, and digital twin approaches, with the explicit intent of delivering better glycemic control and a lighter treatment burden for people with type 1 diabetes. For the fine-print details that often determine fit (such as specific requirements, budget structure, clinical trial expectations if proposed, and any additional review considerations), applicants are directed to consult the NOFO's Section III on eligibility and the other standard NIH application instructions tied to this RFA.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "New Generation of Glucose Control Technologies Incorporating AI/ML Tools/Strategies (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.847.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2026-05-07.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-06-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA DK 27 146

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