The Industry Relations and Research Committees are pleased to announce the opening of the third annual KLS Martin Innovations Challenge Award. The award amount is $20,000 and will be distributed in one allotment. The goal of this award is to support early work toward developing innovations that could one day be adopted by industry partners or result in new companies. Eligible work should be at an early enough level where this amount of funding could significantly help with moving work to the next stage. The principal investigator must be a registered member of the AANS/CNS Pediatric Section and at least one member of the team must attend the section meeting. The finalists will be asked to present their proposals during the section meeting at a dedicated lunch seminar.

Criteria for selection will include potential for meaningful impact on the field of pediatric neurosurgery, uniqueness of concept, feasibility, potential for higher-level funding, and evidence of a clear trajectory towards market-ready technology. Funding cannot be used for travel, salaries, meetings, or publication fees. This award caps indirect costs at 10%.

Progress reports will be requested for granted projects at 1 year post fund distribution. The awardee will be expected to attend the 2026 AANS/CNS Pediatric Section meeting to present their findings. Progress reports will be shared with the industry sponsor barring any identified intellectual property conflict of interest except with a mutually agreed upon non-disclosure agreement in place.

Applicants should prepare an up-to-date CV, a 1-2-page proposal, and a 1-page budget justification. The award winner will be announced during the upcoming Section meeting in Memphis. Applications are due October 15th, 2025 and should be sent to pedssectionresearch@gmail.com