Calling the next generation of health disruptors 

ARPA-H announces funding opportunity for early-career investigators 

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), today announced new topics under the Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) initiative to invest in the development of early career professionals across the U.S. biomedical sector. This funding opportunity will provide direct mentorship while simultaneously funding challenging and novel healthcare research.  

“ARPA-H exists to take high-impact risks that reshape what’s possible in health and biotech. That means investing early in the people who will drive the next wave of breakthroughs,” said ARPA-H Director Alicia Jackson, Ph.D. “Through EHI, we are empowering early‑career investigators, researchers, and innovators across industry, academia, and nonprofits to develop bold approaches for preventing, detecting, and treating chronic and rare diseases, cancer, and the challenges of aging — with the goal of transforming care and improving health for every American.”

Modeled after the prestigious Young Faculty Award at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), EHI will train the next generation of innovators in the ARPA research model of innovation. ARPA-H intends the annual solicitation to offer multiple topic areas for application, funding approximately 20 or more awards per year. The 2026 topics are included on the program page with a link to register for the upcoming Proposers' Day. Areas of interest include biomarker development, pain management, cybersecurity, healthcare applications for artificial intelligence, and more.  

“By pairing early-career professionals with experienced ARPA-H Program Manger mentors and giving them the tools to succeed technically and professionally, we will build a workforce of leaders,” said Sam Gussman-Toh, manager of the EHI program. “Fresh ideas are what fuel not just this agency, but the whole biomedical sector. EHI ensures those early careers have a clear path to change the universe of health.” 

In 2024, ARPA-H launched its inaugural EHI initiative with a focus on addressing community health gaps and made four awards through the Health Science Futures Mission Office. This year, the EHI initiative launches with investments anticipated from all ARPA-H Mission Offices.  Applicants must be within eight years of completion of their first terminal degree and employed at a U.S. institution.  

Researchers ready to take this change can review more program information on the EHI webpage.