Level UP-XR
Training for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians
XR and CDMO companies leveling up the biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce through the latest virtual- and augmented-reality training tools (collectively known as “XR”).
Level UP-XR
Training for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians
XR and CDMO companies leveling up the biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce through the latest virtual- and augmented-reality training tools (collectively known as “XR”).
BioTools Innovator (BTI) VANGUARD, in partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), seeks forward-thinking contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) and extended reality (XR) companies to strengthen the biopharmaceutical workforce of tomorrow.
GOAL
Level UP-XR will evaluate the utility and impact of XR-based training methods during the onboarding of entry-level good manufacturing practice (GMP) biopharmaceutical technicians. Awardees will validate XR training effectiveness by comparing their proposed XR training solutions against parallel or historic trainee cohorts.
PROCESS
CDMO and XR collaborators will be paired during the preliminary application phase. Together, the participating companies will develop a joint full proposal for implementing an XR solution to accelerate training of new technicians for a period up to 12-months. Pilot programs will benchmark against the CDMO’s previously established (non-XR) protocols for GMP technician onboarding.
SUPPORT
CDMO and XR company pairs will deploy their novel training platforms with the aid of BARDA-supplied funds and expertise. BTI VANGUARD will coordinate comprehensive guidance and resources throughout the pilot period. Selected pairs are eligible to receive up to $300K in non-dilutive funding.
ACHIEVE
Your efforts will help ensure the U.S. can meet the demands for a robust biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce. CDMOs can shape the future industry training paradigms and jumpstart their own technician training programs. XR companies will access real-world testing and validation for their platforms. Training data collected through the pilot will contribute to a publication demonstrating the impact of XR modalities on GMP training, helping establish new workforce practices.
Who should apply?
This opportunity invites both CDMOs and XR companies to submit preliminary proposals.
| CDMOs — must meet the following | XR companies — must meet the following |
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Application Process
November – December 2025
Preliminary Proposal Submission
Submit your proposal between November 26 and December 19, 2025 to be considered for this opportunity.
January – February 2025
Pairing & Full Proposal Submission
Selected XR companies and CDMOs will be matched as appropriate and invited to submit a joint full proposal (by invitation only). Each XR company and CDMO pair will submit a joint full proposal.
April – May 2026
Award Notification
Final awards are announced.
May 2026 – June 2027*
Pilots
Awardees will carry out their proposed pilots.
*Pilot duration may vary by awardee.
Informational Session
Learn more about this opportunity, get your questions answered, and receive tips for crafting a strong preliminary proposal.