RFAs: Accelerating the Development of Combined CGM–Pump Devices

Breakthrough T1D is inviting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for research projects that accelerate the development of integrated Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)–Insulin Pump devices for people living with type 1 diabetes. The funding supports preclinical, translational, and clinical research that improves device integration, safety, usability, affordability, and commercialization, with grants of up to USD 900,000 for projects lasting up to three years.

Breakthrough T1D Research Funding for Combined CGM–Insulin Pump Devices

Breakthrough T1D has launched a research funding opportunity to support the development of combined Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and insulin pump devices that simplify diabetes management and improve health outcomes for individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The program aims to accelerate innovative research that addresses scientific, engineering, clinical, and commercialization challenges associated with integrating glucose sensing and insulin delivery into a single wearable device.

About the Funding Opportunity

A combined CGM–pump device integrates continuous glucose monitoring and insulin delivery into one system instead of requiring two separate devices. This integrated approach has the potential to reduce device burden, improve user comfort, simplify diabetes management, and enhance long-term treatment adherence.

Breakthrough T1D is seeking innovative research proposals that improve the design, validation, performance, and clinical adoption of integrated CGM–pump technologies.

Research Focus Areas

The funding supports research in areas including:

Benchtop development of combined CGM–pump devices.
In vitro testing and validation.
Preclinical device development.
Device integration and interoperability.
Compatibility between glucose sensing and insulin delivery components.
System performance optimization.
Feasibility studies.
Clinical evaluation of integrated devices.
Safety assessments.
Usability testing.
Wearability studies.
Clinical utility evaluation.
Translational research.
Commercialization readiness.

Key Research Priorities

Applicants are encouraged to develop solutions that address:

Integration of glucose sensing and insulin delivery technologies.
Improved device compatibility.
Longer device lifespan.
Enhanced system reliability.
Scalable manufacturing approaches.
Cost reduction and affordability.
Improved accessibility for patients.
Optimization of CGM algorithms.
Managing insulin dilution effects.
Clinical performance improvements.
User-centered device design.

Why Combined CGM–Pump Devices Matter

People with type 1 diabetes often rely on separate continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, requiring multiple wearable devices. Combining these technologies into a single integrated device can:

Reduce the number of devices worn.
Improve patient comfort.
Simplify diabetes management.
Increase treatment adherence.
Improve glucose control.
Enhance quality of life.
Support wider adoption of diabetes technologies.
Reduce long-term healthcare burden.

Funding Details

Funding Organization: Breakthrough T1D
Maximum Funding: Up to USD 900,000
Project Duration: Up to 3 years
Application Stage: Letter of Intent (LOI)
Funding Flexibility:
- Larger budgets may be considered with strong scientific justification.
- Smaller projects are also encouraged.
- Funding requests should match project scope and objectives.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Universities.
Colleges.
Academic institutions.
Hospitals.
Research laboratories.
Public research institutions.
Private research institutions.
Non-profit organizations.
Domestic organizations.
International organizations.
State and local government research units.
Eligible federal agencies.
For-profit companies.
Industry–academic collaborations.

Principal Investigators should:

Hold an M.D., D.O., D.M.D., D.V.M., Ph.D., or an equivalent qualification.
Hold a faculty appointment or an equivalent research position.
Be affiliated with a recognized research institution or academic organization.

Eligible Research Teams

The opportunity welcomes:

Academic research groups.
Medical researchers.
Biomedical engineers.
Diabetes technology developers.
Clinical investigators.
Industry researchers.
Translational scientists.
Cross-disciplinary collaborations between academia and industry.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Review the funding opportunity and eligibility requirements.
Develop an innovative research concept addressing combined CGM–pump technologies.
Prepare a strong Letter of Intent outlining project objectives, methodology, innovation, and expected impact.
Demonstrate how the project addresses technical, clinical, or translational challenges.
Prepare a realistic project budget aligned with the proposed work.
Submit the Letter of Intent within the specified application timeline.
If invited, prepare and submit a full research proposal with additional technical and financial information.

Why This Funding Matters

Integrated CGM–pump devices represent one of the most promising innovations in diabetes technology. By supporting research that improves integration, performance, affordability, and clinical effectiveness, Breakthrough T1D aims to accelerate the development of next-generation diabetes management systems that reduce patient burden while improving long-term health outcomes.

The funding also encourages collaboration between academia and industry, helping translate innovative laboratory research into commercially viable medical technologies.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

Clearly demonstrate the novelty of the proposed technology.
Explain how the project addresses unmet needs in diabetes care.
Include realistic milestones and measurable outcomes.
Provide strong scientific and technical justification.
Highlight clinical relevance and potential patient impact.
Present a practical commercialization or translation pathway where appropriate.
Align the requested budget with project objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?

The program supports research that accelerates the development of integrated Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and insulin pump devices for people with type 1 diabetes.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to USD 900,000 for projects lasting up to three years, with flexibility for larger or smaller projects when justified.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include universities, hospitals, research institutes, non-profit organizations, government research institutions, for-profit companies, and academic–industry collaborations.

What research topics are supported?

The funding supports benchtop, in vitro, preclinical, translational, and clinical research focused on integrated CGM–pump devices, including device validation, safety, usability, compatibility, and commercialization.

Can industry applicants apply?

Yes. For-profit organizations may apply independently or in collaboration with academic institutions. Additional information may be requested if a full proposal is invited.

What qualifications are required for Principal Investigators?

Principal Investigators should hold an M.D., D.O., D.M.D., D.V.M., Ph.D., or an equivalent qualification and have a faculty appointment or an equivalent research position.

Does Breakthrough T1D support collaborative research?

Yes. The organization encourages collaboration among academic researchers, clinicians, engineers, industry partners, and multidisciplinary research teams.

Conclusion

The Breakthrough T1D funding opportunity provides significant support for researchers developing next-generation combined CGM–insulin pump devices that can transform type 1 diabetes management. By funding innovative preclinical, translational, and clinical research, the program aims to overcome technical and commercialization challenges, improve patient experience, and accelerate the availability of integrated diabetes technologies that deliver safer, simpler, and more effective care.