Accelerating Innovation for Neglected Tropical Diseases
A network incubator to boost talent
01.
Expert Mentorship
Projects are guided by experienced mentors from academia, industry, product development partnerships, regulatory agencies, and public health organizations. Selected projects receive structured, milestone-driven support from mentor teams matched to their specific development needs.
02.
Translational Education
Practical, NTD-specific training in product development pathways, regulatory strategy, target product profiles, IP, and access planning. Delivered through workshops, seminars, and peer learning — designed to complement existing translational science programmes and tailored to the realities of NTD development.
03.
Network & Resources
Access to a curated global network of research partners, development platforms, and tools, including screening facilities, project management platforms, and AI-assisted drug discovery. We help teams find the right resource at the right stage, whether that's a collaboration partner, a compound library, or a specialist platform they couldn't otherwise access.
04.
Connection to Funding
We help projects navigate the funding landscape — identifying relevant local, regional, and international opportunities, from Grand Challenges to EDCTP and NTD-specific programmes. A non-dilutive microfund is part of our longer-term vision and is currently being developed. In the meantime, our network and curation expertise mean that projects don't arrive at funding conversations unprepared.
About Us
Bridging the gap between discovery and impact
SPARK NTD is a global network incubator for neglected tropical diseases, built on lessons from the Stanford SPARK model and INCATE and leveraging the SPARK network including SPARK Africa. Together, these models show that structured mentoring, practical training, and connection to the right expertise can develop talent whilst turning promising early ideas into development-ready projects.
Product Development Partnerships have transformed the NTD landscape, and SPARK NTD will work as complement to them. Our focus is on the earliest stages: helping researchers navigate the scientific, regulatory, and funding barriers that prevent good ideas from ever reaching a PDP or development partner. We don't claim to solve every challenge in NTD innovation, but we believe that strengthening translational talent and supporting the best early-stage projects creates a better, more diverse pipeline for everyone working in this space.
Our Impact
Translating science into solutions for vulnerable populations
SPARK NTD supports innovations across the full translational pipeline, from early discovery to implementation-ready solutions. Our mission is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public health impact by advancing diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, vector control technologies, digital tools, and implementation innovations for NTDs worldwide.
Together we can accelerate NTD solutions
Every collaboration brings us closer to accessible tools and interventions for the populations that need them most.
Get Involved
Join our global network for NTD innovation
Join SPARK NTD and become part of a movement dedicated to translating science into accessible public health solutions. We empower multidisciplinary teams, support endemic-country investigators, and connect innovators with mentors, funders, and implementation partners.
Become part of a global network that prioritizes affordability, equity, and country ownership. Together, we can move the strongest ideas toward real-world use in the communities that need them most.
Focus areas driving translational innovation
SPARK NTD supports innovative projects addressing critical challenges across the NTD translational pipeline, from proof-of-concept studies to implementation-ready solutions.
Launch in Hellsinki, June 2026
SPARK NTD will be launched during the 12th annual SPARK GLOBAL Meeting, scheduled to be held from June 15-17, 2026 in Helsinki, Finland. In addition to the meeting, we will also be celebrating SPARK Finland’s 10th Anniversary and SPARK at Stanford 20th Anniversary.
Therapeutics and drug development
From new drug candidates and drug repurposing to pediatric formulations and combination therapies, SPARK NTD helps teams navigate the full path from lead optimization to preclinical and clinical development for NTD-endemic populations. Learn how the development model has changed with increasing focus on Academia and smaller companies.
Our Partners
