MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SPARK NS today announced the nine projects and principal investigators selected for the SPARK NS Translational Research Program, 2026 Cohort. The projects focus on therapeutics for autism and Parkinson's disease and are based in academic and nonprofit research institutions in the US, UK, and Europe. Participation in the program lasts two years during which each project is eligible to receive up to $2,000,0001 in milestone-based funding.

The SPARK NS Translational Research Program is based on an unconventional and proven model of translational research with an exceptional 50%2 success rate at guiding discoveries from the lab to the clinic. In addition to funding, research teams get ongoing advice from 90+ industry expert advisors; in-person and online education in drug development and translational research; participation in a collaborative community where they can share ideas and resources and learn from experts; and post-program support to help them bridge to later stages of the drug development process.

"As an academic with a potential therapeutic I learned years ago that drug development is difficult, takes a long time, and is very expensive," said Daria Mochly-Rosen, PhD, a SPARK NS Board Director and Chief Science and Education Advisor. "I also realized that most academic researchers lack the expertise and know-how to overcome the many obstacles on the path to commercialization of even the most promising discoveries. At SPARK NS, we provide funding. We also bring a high level of support and accountability to the process ...