Call for Proposals: CfA Analytics Initiatives Cohort 3

OBI's Centre for Analytics (CfA) invites neuroscience research laboratories and AI startups to submit proposals for the third cohort of its innovation-driven neuroanalytics program. This initiative aims to foster the development and translation of novel neuroanalytics technologies that advance brain health, while building neuroanalytics skills and technological capacity.

The CfA Analytics Initiatives are designed to support innovative projects that push the boundaries of neuroanalytics. Selected proposals will receive funding and access to cutting-edge resources, including multi-modal data, cloud computing, and translational support.

• Profile: Ontario based labs and startups will be given preference; however, national groups can also apply.

• Focus: The project must center on brain health and the development of advanced neuroanalytics methods.

• Duration: Projects should span a total of 12 months.

• Data Utilization: Proposals leveraging multi-modal data are encouraged, with a strong preference for Brain-CODE data.

• Translation Plan: Proposals must include a clear commercialization and/or partnership plan to ensure real-world impact.

• Patient Priorities: Projects should align with patient needs identified by OBI's and other networks of patients and communities.

• HQP Involvement: Proposals should identify at least one Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) who will develop neuroanalytics skills.

• Public Resource Contribution: Participants must produce a publicly accessible Methods Tutorial, such as blog-tutorials, Jupyter Notebooks, or Git repositories.

• Open Access Commitment: Contribute analytics pipelines or data to OBI for open sharing or provide a clear IP plan.

• Dissemination: Engage in at least one Webinar and participate in the CfA Community of Practice in neuroanalytics during the project year.

• Proposals utilizing existing open data, with a strong preference for Brain-CODE data.

• Projects that can contribute to Federated Learning (FL) technology for model training, testing, and data usage.

• Proposals that include a component related to the creation of synthetic data from Controlled Access datasets on Brain-CODE to accelerate algorithm testing and scientific discovery.

• Combined funding and in-kind for HQP, expenses, and computing access for a combined amount up to CAD $80,000 for up to 12 months.

• Support with computing and access to Brain-CODE data.

• Support access to training.

• Support translational strategy.

• Fostering a Community of Practice in neuroanalytics.

• Support translational strategy and networking.

• Typical scenario over 12 months:

• ~$50K for project HQP and other expenses

• ~$30K for large memory CPU or a GPU compute

Applications should complete the online project proposal addressing the key requirements and preferences outlined above before the deadline. Applications will be reviewed by an OBI committee and notified upon completion of reviews.

This is a unique opportunity for research laboratories and AI startups in the neuro space to contribute to the future of neuroanalytics while addressing pressing needs in brain health. Join us in this transformative journey!

• CfA Analytics Initiatives Information Session: Tuesday July 22nd 12pm

• Application submission deadline: Sunday August 31st 5pm

• Notification of acceptance: Wednesday October 1st