The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is vital in driving scientific discovery and economic growth across the United States. Recent reports from United for Medical Research (UMR) and Forbes highlight just how impactful NIH funding has been—generating $94.58 billion in economic activity in FY2024 alone and supporting more than 407,000 jobs nationwide. For every $1 invested, NIH research funding returns $2.56 in economic impact.
For the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR)—home to NIH, the FDA, and a growing network of research institutions and life sciences companies—this funding is critical. NIH grants fuel the work of startups, researchers, and small businesses developing groundbreaking technologies in biotech, AI-driven drug discovery, personalized medicine, and advanced therapeutics. Without sustained investment, the entire innovation ecosystem is at risk, impacting job creation, commercialization efforts, and, ultimately, patient outcomes.
However, funding stability is now uncertain, with federal research investments under scrutiny. UMR warns that proposed cuts to NIH funding could jeopardize critical clinical trials, reduce support for small businesses and universities, and slow biomedical innovation. Maintaining strong NIH funding is not just about advancing science—it's about protecting an economic engine that benefits both local economies and the global leadership of the U.S. in life sciences.
The real-world impact of NIH funding is clear in success stories like Motivity, a clinical SaaS provider for autism therapy that recently secured a $27 million investment after developing its technology with over $11 million in NIH SBIR grants. Founder Rex Jakobovits credits NIH support as essential to their ability to innovate, stating, "We couldn't have gotten here without SBIR funding from the National Institute of Mental Health and the support of its business development programs." This is just one example of how NIH-backed companies translate research into transformative solutions with real-world impact.
At BioHealth Innovation (BHI), we recognize the essential role of NIH funding in translating research into viable commercial solutions. From our Entrepreneurs-in-residence program to our support for SBIR/STTR grant applicants, BHI is committed to helping researchers and entrepreneurs secure the resources they need to grow and succeed.
For a deeper look at the impact of NIH funding, read the full articles from Forbes, United for Medical Research, and Motivity's Press Release.