Mid-South REACH
In September 2023, the Mid‑South REACH award was made by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a new Research, Evaluation, and Commercialization Hub (REACH) program across four states: Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and Mississippi.
Led by Vanderbilt University, Mid-South REACH is based on the best practices and experience of previous Hubs: ExCITE and KYNETIC programs. Lead institutions include Vanderbilt University (Tennessee), University of Louisville (Kentucky), George Mason University (Virginia), and Jackson State University (Mississippi).
The project represents a significant expansion of the public‑private partnership‑based programs to bring discoveries and biomedical innovations to commercialization, particularly those related to public health disparities. Mid‑South REACH creates a robust, interstate innovation infrastructure that acts as a distribution strategy of information, awareness campaigns, and funding to the majority of research institutions and community colleges across all four states.
Innovative Approach
The Mid-South REACH program is pioneering a novel approach by establishing a multi-state network that specifically targets underserved regions and institutions, aiming to bridge the gap in innovation accessibility. This initiative democratizes the funding decision-making process, ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Furthermore, it introduces a flexible, scalable, and sustainable model that can adapt to varying needs and environments, setting a new standard for supporting health-related innovations across diverse communities.
-
$2,000,000 in matching funds
-
$12,000,000 in innovation investment in the Mid-South
