Call for Proposals: CfA Analytics Initiatives Cohort 4

OBI's Centre for Analytics (CfA) is inviting neuroscience AI startups and, academic laboratories on the verge of forming companies or partnering with companies, to submit multi-modal data driven analytics and AI research project proposals for its next cohort of Analytics Initiatives. Please note that preference will be given to AI neuroscience AI startups. This program 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 and AI innovation to improve brain health. Selected proposals will receive funding and access to cutting-edge resources, including multi-modal data via Brain-CODE, federated learning access via NeuroFL, secure and private cloud computing MLOps, and translational support.

• Profile: Ontario based innovating SMEs will be given preference; however, academic labs and national groups on the verge of translation can also apply.

• Focus: The project must center on brain health and the development of advanced neuroanalytics methods such as advanced statistics, algorithms, and artificial intelligence that leverage multi-modal data (preferably available from Brain-CODE) – unimodal data proposals will not be considered.
  
  
• Duration: Projects should span a total of 12 months.
  
  
• Translation Plan: Proposals must include a clear translational, commercial and/or partnership plan to ensure real-world impact.
  
  
• Patient Priorities: Projects should align with patient needs identified by OBI and other networks of patients and communities.
  
  
• HQP Involvement: Proposals must identify at least one Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) who will develop neuroanalytics skills during the course of the project – preference will be given to projects who will onboard a new HQP rather than support existing staff.
  
  
• Public Resource Contribution: Participants must produce a publicly accessible Methods Tutorial, such as blog-tutorials, Jupyter Notebooks, or Git repositories that will be featured as a public resource on OBI’s online website and repositories.
  
  
• Open Access and Translation: Contribute analytics pipelines or data to OBI for open access sharing and/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 should incorporate open data, with a strong preference for Brain-CODE data, as part of the project plan.

• Projects that can contribute to Federated Learning (FL) technology or as a data node for model training, testing, and data usage.
  
  
• Projects that employ advanced data and AI modelling techniques such deep learning, foundational model fine tuning, synthetic cohort use, etc.
  
  
• Projects targeting brain health across OBI related Integrated Discovery Program fields as well as dementias, vascular diseases, microbiome, and metabolic disorders.
  
  
• Projects leveraging administrative health data and other data sources such as CIHI, GEMINI, CLSA, CanPath, etc.

• 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 June 16th, 12pm
• Application submission deadline: Sunday July 5^th, 11:59pm
• Notification of acceptance: August 2026