Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-04-29. Official notice and agency instructions control.
If you've built or are developing a toxin detection sensor or assay, NOAA will fund you to scale it for real-world seafood safety use.
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What this is
This NOAA/NCCOS competitive research program seeks practical innovations in point-of-use detection of harmful algal bloom toxins in seafood to improve food safety, strengthen U.S. seafood industry competitiveness, and reduce compliance costs. Projects should develop efficient detection technologies that work at the point of use (e.g., in production or testing facilities). Funding runs 1–3 years with annual budgets capped at $250k; total project budgets may not exceed $750k. Two to five projects are expected to be funded, contingent on appropriations.
Who can apply
The solicitation explicitly states 'Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility")' but the text provided does not detail specific exclusions; applicants should review the full announcement on the NCCOS Funding Opportunities webpage. Historically, NOAA NCCOS awards support universities, non-profits, small businesses, and commercial entities; solo founders and startups may be eligible but should confirm in the full solicitation document.
Eligible applicant types
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Full description — from the agency
The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA/NOS/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Competitive Research Program (NCCOS/CRP) [formerly Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR)/Coastal Ocean Program (COP)] is soliciting proposals to drive practical and cost-effective innovations for harmful algal bloom toxin detection in seafood that promotes seafood safety, food security, and the economic success of U.S. seafood industries and their competitiveness in global markets. For this Announcement, proposals will focus on the development and advancement of innovative, efficient, and effective point-of-use harmful algal bloom toxin detection technologies in support of the Nation’s nutritional, cultural, and economic seafood interests, and to reduce costs to U.S. communities and industries that rely on safe seafood. --- Funding is contingent upon the availability of Federal appropriations. If funding is available for this program, two to five projects are expected to be supported for one to three years in duration, with an approximate annual budget for each project of $100,000-$250,000, not to exceed $750,000 per project. NCCOS/CRP may reject any proposals submitted with an annual budget that is greater than $250,000 for any year. --- An informational webinar on this solicitation will be offered on March 24, 2026 from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Information regarding this Announcement, including the webinar and additional background information, is available on the NCCOS Funding Opportunities webpage (https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/).
Topics: harmful algal bloom detection · seafood safety toxin testing · point-of-use detection technology · marine biotoxin innovation · food security compliance
Public-source funding discovery only. This summary is generated from public agency data and may be incomplete or stale. NonDilute is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency. Official notices and agency instructions control. NonDilute does not determine eligibility, provide grant-writing advice, or guarantee funding.