—BioTools Innovator VANGUARD supports development & validation projects of 5 startups through non-dilutive funding awards.—
LOS ANGELES – June 24, 2026 – BioTools Innovator (BTI) VANGUARD has selected five proof-of-concept proposals to receive up to $200K in non-dilutive funding contracts. Through the non-dilutive funding program, BTI VANGUARD aims to support the development and commercialization of innovative enabling technologies that could be readily deployed as medical countermeasures in the event of a health emergency.
BioTools Innovator is the premier accelerator focused exclusively on life science tools and diagnostics startups. VANGUARD is a joint initiative between BTI and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to support startups in deploying innovative medical countermeasures that enhance the U.S.’ readiness for public health emergencies.**
Five startup companies have each been awarded up to $200K in non-dilutive funding for 6-month technical development, evaluation, and validation projects. Of over 175 project proposals that were submitted for consideration, five startups were selected based on the potential of their technologies to enhance sample processing for bioanalysis and diagnostics, improve drug discovery and development, and advance biomanufacturing infrastructure. Their innovations support BARDA’s mission to strengthen the nation’s preparedness by enabling the development of medical countermeasures for public health emergencies.
The 5 companies that were awarded non-dilutive funding are:
Ananda Devices – “Human neuromuscular junction new approach method for faster neurotoxin detection and medical countermeasure development”
Aridica Corporation – “Rapid, automated PBMC and plasma isolation platform for reliable immune profiling in public health emergencies”
Evoworks Bio – “Addressing the biologic translational bottleneck with a one-platform-for-any-scale solution”
Inso Biosciences – “Rapid decentralized genomic screening via next-gen microfluidic
sample preparation platform”
Precision Chroma – “Pilot scale validation of 3D printed monolith chromatography”
These companies will receive mentorship from subject matter experts over a 6-month project period to navigate technology development and commercialization and ensure key project milestones are met.
All five companies are graduates of the BioTools Innovator accelerator program, demonstrating the strength of the accelerator program in advancing the companies’ business strategy and preparing the companies for milestone execution. Ten companies from the 2026 BTI Accelerator Cohort were also selected to participate in this year’s VANGUARD Accelerator program.
“We’re thrilled to support these five companies through the VANGUARD program,” said Kathryn Zavala, Managing Director of BioTools Innovator. “This funding represents a meaningful step forward, giving them the runway to develop and validate technologies that strengthen our ability to respond to public health threats. We look forward to seeing what they achieve over the coming months.”
Applications will open for the second round of VANGUARD funding in September. Companies are invited to join the waitlist for the upcoming funding proposal solicitation and the BTI VANGUARD 2027 Accelerator application, which will open in October.
**This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under agreement number 75A50124C00034.
About BioTools Innovator VANGUARD
BioTools Innovator VANGUARD is the Enabling Technologies Hub of the BARDA Accelerator Network as part of BARDA’s ongoing mission to support the development of medical countermeasures to prepare for and respond to dynamic or unpredictable biothreats. VANGUARD is powered by Los Angeles-based BioTools Innovator, which was established to advance cutting-edge research and improve human health by accelerating the growth of a broad spectrum of life science tools and diagnostics. BioTools Innovator matches industry leaders with innovative early-stage and emerging growth biotechnology-focused companies for mentorship and support.
For more information about BioTools Innovator VANGUARD, visit the website and follow the organization on LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Samantha Black
BioTools Innovator
sam.black@biotoolsinnovator.org