NIH widens grant eligibility to for‑profit firms and local agencies

The National Institutes of Health announced a revision to its grant rules that now permits for‑profit companies, local governments, federal agencies and community‑based organizations to apply for facility‑focused awards. Previously, only higher‑education institutions and nonprofits were eligible. Director Jay Bhattacharya said the change is intended to broaden participation in NIH funding. The move follows similar efforts at the National Science Foundation, which has launched programs such as X‑Labs and a hybrid Ph.D. pathway.