2025 In Space Biomanufacturing Innovation Hub Seed Funding Initiative
The In Space Biomanufacturing Innovation Hub, as part of the memorandum of understanding with Sierra Space, is pleased to announce a unique opportunity to participate in the Dream Chaser’s first spaceflight mission, launching no earlier than October 25, 2025. This mission marks the first in a series of anticipated flight opportunities to come through the In Space Biomanufacturing Innovation Hub.
We invite feasibility proposals that can be flight-ready by October 2025 and leverage the space environment to advance innovations in biomanufacturing. Seed funding is available to support pre-launch validation, launch preparation, and post-flight analysis. Experiments will be initiated in space and returned live to Earth. Mission duration is expected 10 days with 370-425 km altitude and maintained at ambient temperature (18°C–30°C) throughout the mission.
All experiments must be designed for compatibility with Vitvo perfusion technology. Integration support will be provided through a collaboration with LEO Biosciences working with Sierra Space. Costs of flight implementation including bioreactor housing modules, pump system that will initiate and perfuse experiments in microgravity and flight return service to UF will be covered by the In-Space Bio Hub.
Vitvo perfusion technology here: https://rigenerand-biotech.com/vitvo/#:~:text=VITVO%20is%20a%20ready%2Dto,(readouts%20after%20few%20hours).&text=Versatility%20to%20different%20R%26D%20strategies,co%2Dcultures%20and%20fluidics).
Program Overview
The Seed Program supports early-stage, flight-ready research that contributes to the advancement of biomanufacturing in space, builds capacity for future external funding, and cultivates a transdisciplinary community at the interface of biology and space science.
Program Goals
- Enable rapid execution of pilot studies using spaceflight hardware
- Validate innovative biomanufacturing strategies in microgravity
- Position researchers for future NASA and commercial funding opportunities
Focus Areas
UF-led proposals for 6-month flight projects are invited in the following areas:
- Biosynthesis
- Biorecycling
- Tumor cell growth
- Biomolecule production
Projects must be research-focused and aligned with space biomanufacturing innovation. Funds may support research-related costs, including personnel, supplies, and data analysis. Travel costs, registration fees, subcontract costs, or indirect costs are not allowable.
Eligibility
- Open to research and tenure-track faculty at the University of Florida
- Co-investigators may be from external institutions
Award Details
- Maximum budget request: $30,000
- Project period: 6 months, with a start date as early as August 15, 2025
- A final report will be required
Key Dates
- Submission Opens: Immediately
- Proposal Deadline: August 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM (ET)
- Earliest Start Date: August 15, 2025
Proposal Review Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated by an ad hoc review committee. Final funding decisions will be made by the Director of the In Space Biomanufacturing Hub at UF.
Evaluation criteria:
- Relevance: Alignment with NASA’s and space science goals
- Feasibility: Rapid readiness and practical execution with the Vitvo perfusion platform
- Approach: Clear integration with Vitvo perfusion platform and a list of experimental details and reagents for flights
- Qualification: Capability of PI and team to complete work on time
- Scientific Merit: Value to space science and broader societal impact and data sharing
- Support Potential: Pathway to external funding or commercial transition
Proposal Submission Instructions
- Format: Single PDF file, named 2025_BioHub.[PI Last Name].pdf
- Email to: Obianuju O. Ibe at oibe1@ufl.edu
- Title must begin with: BioHub2025:[PI Last Name]
- Formatting:12-point font, 0.5-inch margins. Figures/tables may be in 10-point font.
Proposal Components
1. Cover Page
Include:
- Proposal Title: BioHub2025: [Your Project Title]
- PI Name, College, Department, ORCID
- Phone and Email
- Co-Investigators (Name, Affiliation, ORCID, Contact Info)
- Project Start/End Dates
- Total Requested Budget
2. Project Description (Max 2 pages)
Include:
- Project overview
- Objectives, aims, and tasks
- Technical description and integration with Vitvo technology
- Strategic impact on space sciences, external funding potential, and UF research
- Feasibility, even without preliminary data
3. Budget and Justification
Include line-item breakdown and justifications:
- Labor: Investigators and support staff with % effort
- Materials: Supplies required for the experiment
- Services: UF Core facilities (e.g., ICBR, RSC), if applicable