Apply now for a chance to pitch your proposal live at Cocktails & Chromosomes: Minnesota this October and win up to $25,000 in research funding!
The goal of Team Telomere’s 2025 Shark Tank Grant is to fund bold and innovative ideas with the potential to move the field of Telomere Biology Disorders (TBDs) forward. We are seeking creative, patient-focused proposals that take risks, explore new territory, and address gaps in diagnosis, care, or treatment of TBDs.
Up to three finalists will be selected to pitch their projects live at Cocktails & Chromosomes: Minnesota, following the Team Telomere Micro Meeting in October 2025. One winner will receive a $25,000 research award, determined by a combination of audience vote and scoring from a review committee. It is possible that runner-up winner(s) will receive funding as well.
Applicant Eligibility:
To be eligible for research grant funding from Team Telomere, individuals or teams of applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The Principal Investigator(s) must possess a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree.
- Principal Investigator(s) must currently hold full-time position(s) at a qualified academic, government, non-profit, or for-profit research institution, and show evidence of dedicated support and resources that enable execution of the research project.
- Applications may be submitted from qualified international institutions, but all proposals must be submitted in English.
- All applicants must be registered for the Team Telomere Micro Meeting.
Funding Guidelines and Limitations:
Applicants may request up to $25,000 USD in total costs for a research project lasting up to one year. Indirect costs are limited to 10% of the total budget. The funding period will begin December 1, 2025, and end December 1, 2026. (Direct and unallowable costs are defined in the application.)
Important Dates:
- September 12, 2025 (5:00 PM ET): Application submission deadline
- *Application submission deadline extended to Monday, September 22 at 5:00 PM ET*
- September 26, 2025: Finalists notified
- October 18, 2025: Live pitch event at Cocktails & Chromosomes: MN
- December 1, 2025: Grant funding period begins
- June 1, 2026: Interim progress report due
- December 1, 2026: Grant funding period ends
- January 5, 2027: Final report due
Contact Information:
For inquiries, please contact grants@teamtelomere.org.
Review Process:
The grant review committee will consist of members from Team Telomere’s Medical Advisory Board, staff, patient advocates, the patient community, and ad hoc reviewers, ensuring a comprehensive and expert evaluation of all submitted proposals.
Apply for Team Telomere’s 2025 Shark Tank Grant!
Applicants must submit their application materials via email to grants@teamtelomere.org by the deadline. Download the application and submit your proposal today!