NIH launched a new initiative aimed at speeding innovation, development and commercialization of (COVID-19) testing technologies. The Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative will infuse $1.5 billion into early innovative technologies to speed up the development of rapid and accessible testing. Read more. NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins testified May 7, 2020, in front of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions as part of a hearing, “Shark Tank: New Tests for COVID-19.”