More Information

Who is eligible to submit an idea?

You may submit an idea as an individual, team (a group of individuals), and an entity (a legally established organization).

In the case of an individual, whether participating singly of in a group, you must be a United States citizen or U.S. permanent resident. In the case of an entity, the entity must be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of residence in the U.S. Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents can participate as a member of a team that otherwise satisfies the eligibility criteria but are not eligible to win a monetary prize.

Principal investigators of active NIH SBIR or STTR awards and federal or Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees are not eligible to participate.

Review the full eligibility requirements and rules .

How can I submit a competitive idea?

To be competitive, eligible submitter(s) must demonstrate in their submission materials:

• A strong need for the Challenge prize and resources to accelerate the team and innovation.
• An innovative idea for a science-driven technology or product with high commercial potential that aligns with NIA’s research priorities .
• A strong impact of the submitter(s) participation on stimulating new aging research and development (R&D).

Will my submission be considered if I have previously received SBIR/STTR funding or other NIH funding?

Yes, you are eligible unless you are the principal investigator on an NIH SBIR/STTR award that is active at the time of the Challenge submission deadline.

How is “demonstrated need” defined?

“Demonstrated need” is defined as the essential support submitter(s) require to launch a company and/or accelerate their technology. This could be access to funding, mentorship, entrepreneurial development workshops, equipment and facilities, collaborators, business expertise, or other resources.

What research priorities is NIA interested in funding?

The NIA Small Business Programs strategically fund science-driven innovations that promote healthy aging; address aging-related diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; and meet unique needs of older adults, their caregivers, providers, and communities. Please review NIA’s small business research priorities .

What are the key dates for the Challenge? How much time is required if selected?

Review the Important Dates for the Challenge.

Selected finalists will participate in a 5-month virtual accelerator program which requires a 6- to 8-hour time commitment per week. Participants will also attend one multiday, in-person event tentatively scheduled for early June 2025. Travel costs will be paid by NIA for at least one finalist per team to attend.

How many participants will be selected for the Challenge?

NIA anticipates up to 21 submissions will be selected to participate in the 2025 Challenge as finalists.

If my company/organization is selected to participate, how many of my team members can join the Challenge?

All team members may participate in the virtual activities and mentoring sessions. NIA will cover the travel expenses of at least one team member to participate in the in-person event.

What costs are covered to participate in the Challenge?

There is no cost for participating in the accelerator program. NIA will arrange and pay for any domestic travel costs for at least one team member to participate in the in-person event.

What is the difference between this program and I-Corps™ at NIH?

I-Corps at NIH is an 8-week program for current NIH SBIR/STTR Phase I awardees. The program has a strong focus on customer discovery. NIA’s Challenge is designed for companies that are not yet SBIR/STTR awardees but have a strong interest in applying for SBIR/STTR funding from NIA. The Challenge is an in-depth, 5-month program that provides 1:1 mentorship, entrepreneurial training, networking opportunities, and industry exposure.

Although the Challenge will involve some customer discovery, those activities will not be a primary focus. In the end, the Challenge may provide a foundation for further development through I-Corps after a successful award. Additionally, Challenge finalists will deliver a final pitch to compete for one of the $75,000 Stage 2 cash prizes.

Are multiple submissions allowed?

Yes, multiple submissions from each individual (whether participating singly or in a group) or entity are permitted. Each solution must be sufficiently novel and unique and not be a minor modification of another 2025 submission.

What are the benefits of the Challenge? Will I have a mentor if I participate?

The Challenge will provide resources including entrepreneurial coaching and workshops, mentorship, grant application skill-building, peer-to-peer networking, and access to key industry networks. NIA identified each of these as areas of need to foster success for research entrepreneurs. Participants will have access to mentors with specific expertise to impart. Additionally, all Stage 1 Challenge finalists will receive a $10,000 cash prize and be eligible to compete for an additional $65,000 cash prize.

If my company/organization is selected to participate, do we receive any special consideration for the NIA SBIR/STTR program application process?

The resources provided through the Challenge can help participants launch or grow their start-up and execute early-stage activities that are critical to a successful NIA SBIR/STTR research proposal. These activities could include developing or improving a prototype, generating preliminary data, and/or building an experienced team. Although NIA hopes the Challenge will encourage participation in the NIA SBIR/STTR program — and that the cash and non-cash prizes will further the development of a successful SBIR/STTR grant application — Challenge participation or selection as a winner does not guarantee that NIA or any other NIH component will award grant funding to support the research proposal. All grant applications, including those that are developed as a result of this Challenge, are still subject to competition, peer review, and all other grant application and award requirements.

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