The program seeks to accelerate novel approaches in disease detection, characterization, and monitoring, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear path to clinical application. In parallel, it aims to strengthen trainees’ professional development by fostering independence, leadership, and competitiveness for future funding opportunities. Selected projects will receive seed funding to establish feasibility, generate preliminary data, and enhance competitiveness for future support from federal agencies, foundations, or industry.

Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate innovation, clinical relevance, and alignment with CPM’s mission to advance our understanding of human genomics and harness this knowledge to improve health and well-being through precision medicine.

One successful proposal will be awarded up to $25,000. The funding start date will be contingent upon all required animal care and/or Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals.

Applications will undergo peer review, and the top 3–5 proposals will be invited to participate in a Shark Tank-style presentation at the CPM Annual Symposium on October 6, 2026. Finalists will present their projects to a panel of expert judges, who will evaluate the proposals and ask questions during the session. Following the presentations, one project will be selected for funding.

Applicants must be UW–Madison graduate students or postdoctoral trainees.

• Each application must be submitted by a trainee in partnership with an eligible faculty mentor who will serve as the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Eligible PIs must hold a UW–Madison tenure-track, Clinical Health Sciences track, or Scientist appointment that confers Principal Investigator status.
• Trainees may not serve as the sole PI but are expected to lead the proposed project.
• Collaborative projects are encouraged.
• Symposium registration and attendance are required for participation.

Priority will be given to proposals that:

• Demonstrate innovation, clinical relevance, and alignment with CPM’s mission.
• Have the potential to develop into externally funded, peer-reviewed grant applications.
• Are likely to generate peer-reviewed publications.

1. CV or biosketch
   
2. Letter of commitment from collaborators
   
3. Two (2) pages maximum in a single pdf format and consist of the following sections:

• Trainee applicants name, department & email
• Collaborators names and departments
• Title
• Proposal (1 page)
• Brief description of how this grant will support the trainees professional development
• Proposed budget

Provide a brief justification for each line item in the budget. While no funds are available for salary support, percent effort for the trainee, Principal Investigator, collaborators, and other lab members should be included.

Eligible expenses are directly related to the conduct of the proposed research.  These include sequencing and IT costs, supplies and consumables, salaries (students, research or clinical fellows, research or clinical coordinators/associates, technical and professional assistants, statisticians), small equipment (maximum $4,500).

Ineligible costs include administration, registration fees and travel to conferences, overhead and equipment exceeding $4,500. Budgets exceeding $25,000 must indicate the source(s) of additional funds