Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Since the grants are funded by FDA, funding-based resources are only provided to companies who have a presence in the United States (e.g., an office, US-based accelerator participation). If a company does not meet this criterion, we are happy to try finding other ways to assist or connect you.

No, we accept applicants from all over the United States.

The time commitment is completely up to you! Our “virtual accelerator” has an indefinite end date. We schedule a 30-minute intake call to meet you and better understand your needs. We also ask that you provide progress updates every 6 months via our survey. Companies can schedule additional calls throughout the year if they have any questions or request further assistance.

There is an initial intake form that requests additional information regarding the company, need, problem, market, stage of development, funding, and solution. You can access the application form by clicking here. Following the completion of the intake form, the SWPDC team will arrange an intake call to gain a better understanding of your company and address any questions you may have.

The SWPDC welcomes applicants at all stages of development from concept to commercialization. However, the stage of development may limit the type of assistance that the SWPDC can provide.

No, FDA funds pediatric device consortia to advance the development of medical devices for children. The SWPDC is a nonprofit platform that provides advising services and critical funding to innovators to help progress their projects.

SWPDC offers direct funding prizes at various pitch competitions that your company can apply to. More information can be found here. Across all P50-supported FDA pediatric device consortia, a maximum of $50,000 of direct device funding and in-kind support per year may be received.

Absolutely! We welcome applying and participating in various consortia and will share announcements from different consortia regarding programming and funding opportunities. However, an active effort will be made to avoid duplication of support received.

The SWPDC supports multiple competitions every year split between the Spring and the Fall. More details can be found here regarding when the applications open. Sign up for our newsletter for the most up-to-date information about when competitions are announced!

Yes, the grant provided by FDA is specifically for pediatric medical device development, where pediatrics is defined by FDA as 0-22 years old. We support digital health technologies that qualify as Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and medical device-led combination products.

Technologies indicated for both adult and pediatric populations are eligible for support.

Not sure if your technology is a medical device? Check out this link.

Along with funding, other services and in-kind support may be available such as connections to clinicians, clinical application feedback, regulatory assistance, business planning, and device development services such as intellectual property advising, prototyping, engineering, laboratory and animal testing, and grant-writing. Please describe in your intake form the areas of support that would be most beneficial.

Confidentiality is a priority of the SWPDC. However, due to the reporting of nonconfidential requirements to the FDA PDC program, the SWPDC is unable to sign NDAs. Further information can be provided during the intake call.