The call supports the development of technologies to improve the quality of life of ALS/MND patients.

The ALS Association has launched a new edition of a call for proposals to accelerate the development of innovative technologies or the adaptation of existing technologies that can help maintain or improve the health, independence and/or quality of life of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neurone disease (MND).

The opportunity launched by the US non-profit supports projects focused on technology development, efficacy testing or scale-up evaluation. Applications are welcome from all scientific disciplines relevant to the aims of the call. Assistive technology support may include tools that enhance independence, communication, mobility, breathing, and participation in everyday life for people with ALS. Examples include devices for daily living and home automation, communication aids such as speech-generating and eye-tracking technologies, mobility equipment like powered wheelchairs and transfer devices, innovative respiratory support technologies, and solutions that improve access to recreational activities. Support may also extend to brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that restore communication or digital control, although projects in this area are subject to increased scrutiny due to significant existing investment and ongoing clinical testing.

Eligible Principal Investigators (PIs) include senior postdoctoral fellows with at least three years in their current postdoctoral position, established investigators currently leading a major ALS-focused grant (such as an NIH R01 or equivalent), and researchers from outside the ALS field. Both non-profit and for-profit organisations worldwide are eligible, including universities, hospitals, government agencies, laboratories, and biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies. Collaborative applications are encouraged, provided a lead organisation is designated to manage the intellectual property.

Projects will receive funding of up to $400,000 in total costs for the two-year project period.