Judging Criteria and Prizes

Stage 1

The criteria of evaluation to select the Stage 1 finalists are as follows [100 points total]:

• Significance (0-15 points): How strong is the potential of the technology or product to address a significant unmet need in the older adult population? To what extent does the scientific premise support the merits of the idea?
• Innovation (0-15 points): How novel is the idea for the technology or product? What is the potential competitive advantage or the potential for refinement of the technology or product to improve the competitive advantage?
• Commercialization (0-10 points): How well is the commercial potential described? Is there a strong value proposition? Is there a clearly defined market for the proposed product? Is the company’s business strategy one that has a high potential for success?
• Submitter(s) (0-10 points): To what degree does the individual or team of individuals demonstrate a high level of commitment and collaboration? What level of relevant expertise does each person bring to the team?
• Challenge Impact on the Submitter(s) (0-25 points): Does the submitter(s) describe a scientific, technical, professional, and/or personal background (e.g., lack of access to resources and networks) that demonstrates a need for training and resources provided by this Challenge? Does the submitter(s) describe how they will significantly benefit from the training and resources provided by this Challenge at their stage of technology development?

• Challenge Impact on NIA-funded small business research and development (0-25 points): Will the submitter(s) participation in this Challenge have the potential to increase the impact and expand the reach of NIA-funded small business research and development in at least two of the following ways:

  • The technology or product addresses an underfunded area of research and development relevant to the NIA small business research priorities. (Active NIA SBIR/STTR awards can be found in NIH RePORTER .)
  • The technology or product addresses a unique need of older adults.
  • The submitting individual or team of individuals possess a background and/or unique life experience that would bring a diverse perspective to aging-related research and development. Note that the race, ethnicity, or sex of the submitter(s) may not be considered as part of any evaluation criteria. Some examples of permissible considerations for this criteria include but are not limited to:
    • Experience being a caregiver for older adults, including those with Alzheimer’s disease or AD-related dementia.
    • Research experience or training (aging or non-aging-related) which brings a complementary and/or diverse perspective to enhance aging-related research and development.
    • Individuals who have experienced and/or overcome challenges or barriers which gives them a unique perspective on aging-related research and development.

Stage 2

The Stage 2 review will be performed by a judging panel composed of NIA staff. The judging panel will collect and review each finalist's final materials (one-page document and 7-minute pitch), as well as a mentor assessment, provided by the finalists’ mentors, highlighting their estimation of prize impact based on their technical expertise and their experience advising the finalist.

The evaluation criteria to select the Stage 2 winners consist of the following [100 points total]:

Review criteria for the mentor assessment and one-page document [45 points total]:

• Prize Impact on Innovation Advancement (0-30 points): Does the finalist present a clear and strong plan for how the prize funds will play a critical role in empowering the small business to accelerate the development of their innovation in ways including, but not limited to:

  • Expanding their team
  • Collecting pilot data
  • Securing customers
  • Raising funds

• Prize Impact on NIA-funded small business research and development (0-15 points): If awarded, how does the innovation have the potential to increase the impact and expand the reach of NIA-funded small business research and development? Do the submission materials describe in detail at least one of the following:

  • How the technology or product addresses an underfunded area of research and development relevant to the NIA-funded small business research priorities. (Active NIA SBIR/STTR awards can be found in NIH RePORTER .)
  • How the technology or product addresses a unique need of aging adults.

Review criteria for the 7-minute pitch video [55 points total]:

• Significance (0-15 points): To what degree does the technology or product address a significant unmet need in the older adult population?
• Innovation (0-15 points): How novel is the technology or product? What is the competitive advantage?
• Commercialization (0-10 points): How well is the commercial potential described? Is there a strong value proposition? Is there a clearly defined market for the proposed product? Is the company’s business strategy one that has a high potential for success?
• Submitter(s) (0-10 points): To what degree does the individual or team of individuals demonstrate a high level of commitment and collaboration? What level of relevant expertise does each person bring to the team? Are there significant gaps in expertise on the team and how strong is the plan to fill those gaps?
• Pitch Delivery (0-5 points): How clearly does the submitter(s) present the information, including verbal delivery and visual slides?

Stage 1

Up to twenty one (21) Stage 1 finalists will be selected from the initial pool of submissions. Each Stage 1 finalist will be awarded a $10,000 cash prize, the opportunity to participate in a five-month accelerator program, coaching on the NIH SBIR application process, and access to business, regulatory, and reimbursement consults from NIH Entrepreneurs in Residence at no cost to the finalist. The goal of the Stage 1 cash prize is to support critical early-stage business and product development activities that may be identified during the program. Stage 1 finalists will be paid the $10,000 cash prize within three months of the start of the accelerator program.

Stage 2

Up to seven (7) winners will be selected from the Stage 1 finalist pool to receive up to $65,000 each.

Note: While Stage 1 participants are provided coaching on the NIH SBIR application process, it is important to note that NIA has a variety of resources to help entrepreneurs apply for NIA grants, whether they participate in the Challenge or not. Grant application technical assistance is not solely available to Stage 1 Challenge participants. For more information on resources, visit the NIA Small Business Programs website . Additionally, while NIA hopes that the Challenge will encourage the development of a successful SBIR/STTR grant application, Challenge participation or selection as a winner has no impact on decisions made by NIA or any other NIH component to award grant funding. All grant applications, including those that are developed as a result of this Challenge, are subject to competition, peer review, and all other grant application and award requirements.

Payment of the Prize: Prizes awarded under this competition will be paid by electronic funds transfer and may be subject to Federal income taxes. HHS/NIH will comply with the Internal Revenue Service withholding and reporting requirements, where applicable.

Entities participating in this Challenge are encouraged, but not required, to request and obtain a free Unique Entity ID (UEI), if they have not already done so, via SAM.gov as this will expedite prize payment. Additional information can be found at SAM.gov .

Award Approving Official: The Award Approving Official will be Richard J. Hodes, M.D., Director of the National Institute on Aging.

The NIH/NIA reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to (a) cancel, suspend, and/or modify this prize competition, or any part of it, for any reason, and/or (b) not award any prizes if no submissions are deemed worthy.

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