Founded in 2023, SPARK NS is a non-profit translational research organization dedicated to efficiently advancing promising academic discoveries in neuroscience from the lab to the clinic.

The SPARK NS Translational Research Program provides selected projects with up to $2,000,000 in milestone-based funding, education in drug development, mentorship from industry expert advisors, and scientific and business networking opportunities.The program is are designed to close gaps in knowledge and know-how and eliminate barriers that slow or prevent promising discoveries from directly benefiting patients. The SPARK NS program operates on a proven model for collaboration between academic researchers and industry experts developed and refined since 2006.

Academic principal investigators with projects at any stage of development between a target identification and entry into clinical trials are eligible to apply to the SPARK NS program. As an independent organization, SPARK NS selects the most promising projects that emerge from the global neuroscience research community. SPARK NS currently focuses on Parkinson’s disease and autism.

Health Care

Life Sciences

Neuroscience

Non Profit

SPARK NS

The Menlo Park office focuses on translational research, education, and project management in the scientific and healthcare sectors.

Menlo Park

Stephen Kargotich

Adriana Ann Garcia

Vishal Ganesan

Urbano Chaidez

Kevin Grimes

Opher Kornfeld

Robert Lum

Susan A Thomas

This department provides expert guidance and strategic support to enhance decision-making and operational effectiveness.

Advisory Services

This department oversees the planning, execution, and completion of projects across various domains.

Project Management

This department focuses on the management and coordination of research projects aimed at translating scientific discoveries into practical applications.

Translational Research

This department focuses on conveying scientific information through various multimedia formats and written content.

Scientific Communications

This department focuses on developing educational programs and managing communication and marketing strategies.

Education and Communications

This department focuses on fostering leadership skills and strategic direction within the organization.

SPARK NS

Org chart

Teams

Advisory Services

Project Management

Translational Research

Scientific Communications

Education and Communications

Leadership Development

Offices