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Overview
Timeline
- Phase Starts12/1/2026 2:00 PM ET
- Solution Submission Due1/15/2027 10:00 PM ET
- Judging Ends03/18/27
- Results Announcement05/06/27
- Phase Starts10/27/2027 1:00 PM ET
- Solution Submission Due11/3/2027 9:00 PM ET
- Judging Ends12/10/27
- Results Announcement12/21/27
Prize
The National Institute on Aging will award up to $994,000 in cash prizes and an opportunity to participate in a five-month accelerator program designed to develop first-time entrepreneurs to advance aging research and innovation.
Stage 1 Finalists
Up to twenty-one (21) Stage 1 finalists will be selected from the initial pool of submissions. Each finalist will be awarded a $24,000 cash prize and the opportunity to participate in a five-month accelerator program. The program will provide mentorship, weekly virtual education sessions, guidance on the NIH SBIR/STTR application process, and access to business and regulatory guidance at no cost to the finalist. The accelerator program also includes two in-person events to facilitate learning and networking opportunities; one three-day entrepreneur bootcamp in June 2027 and one three-day health innovation and investment conference in November 2027. Registration costs for both events will be covered by the program. Travel-related costs are paid by the participant. Participants of the accelerator program can expect to commit up to 6-8 hours per week for approximately five months from June to November 2027 attending virtual education sessions and mentor meetings and participating in the two in-person events. The Stage 1 cash prize is intended to support critical early-stage business and product development activities identified during the program. At their discretion, finalists may use a portion of the funds to support participation in in-person events (e.g., travel-related expenses). The $24,000 cash prize will be disbursed within three months of the start of the accelerator program.
Stage 2 Winners
Up to seven (7) winners will be selected from the Stage 1 finalist pool to each receive a $70,000 cash prize.
Rules
Judging Criteria
Basis Upon Which Finalists Will be Selected:
Challenge submissions will be evaluated by a combination of NIA program staff and non-federal professionals with relevant industry expertise using the following process:
Eligibility and Programmatic Review
All submissions received during the submission period will be reviewed by NIA program staff for eligibility and programmatic relevance. NIA staff will also conduct a preliminary evaluation and assign an initial score. Submissions that receive a competitive preliminary score will advance to technical review.
Technical Review
Initial submissions will be individually evaluated and scored by technical reviewers with expertise in aging research, life science entrepreneurship and investment, business development, and product development. Reviewers may include experts from the federal government, academia, industry, and other relevant sectors. Evaluations will be based on the criteria outlined below.
Final Evaluation by Federal Judges
A panel of federal employees serving as judges will review the submissions and technical evaluations and provide a final score for each submission. Based on these scores, the judges will recommend top-performing teams for a screening call with NIA Challenge staff.
Screening and Finalist Selection
Following the screening calls, NIA Challenge staff will recommend up to 21 finalists for approval by the Award Approving Official.
All submissions that reach the technical review step will receive a brief summary of reviewer feedback by May 2027.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, or sex.
Significance (0-15 points): How strong is the potential of the 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 product? What is the potential competitive advantage or the potential for refinement of the product to improve the competitive advantage?
Commercialization (0-10 points): How effectively does the submitter explain the potential for commercial success? 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 product development?
Challenge Impact on NIA Research and Development (0-25 points): To what extent will the submitter’s participation in this Challenge enhance the impact and reach of NIA-funded small business research and development? “Impact and reach” refer to the potential to advance underfunded research areas, address unmet needs among older adults, and/or broaden the perspectives contributing to aging research and innovation. Submissions will be evaluated on their potential to achieve at least two of the following:
- The submission addresses an underfunded area relevant to the NIA small business research priorities. (Active NIA SBIR/STTR awards can be found in NIH RePORTER.)
- The product addresses a unique challenge or unmet need for older adults.
- The individual or team brings relevant background, experience, or perspectives that would broaden and strengthen 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 criterion include but are not limited to:
- Experience as a caregiver for older adults, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or AD-related dementias.
- Training or research experience that offers a complementary or innovative perspective.
- Lived experiences involving challenges or barriers that inform a unique approach to aging-related research and innovation.
Significance (0-15 points): How strong is the potential of the 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 product? What is the potential competitive advantage or the potential for refinement of the product to improve the competitive advantage?
Commercialization (0-10 points): How effectively does the submitter explain the potential for commercial success? 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 product development?
Challenge Impact on NIA Research and Development (0-25 points): To what extent will the submitter’s participation in this Challenge enhance the impact and reach of NIA-funded small business research and development? “Impact and reach” refer to the potential to advance underfunded research areas, address unmet needs among older adults, and/or broaden the perspectives contributing to aging research and innovation. Submissions will be evaluated on their potential to achieve at least two of the following:
- The submission addresses an underfunded area relevant to the NIA small business research priorities. (Active NIA SBIR/STTR awards can be found in NIH RePORTER.)
- The product addresses a unique challenge or unmet need for older adults.
- The individual or team brings relevant background, experience, or perspectives that would broaden and strengthen 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 criterion include but are not limited to:
- Experience as a caregiver for older adults, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or AD-related dementias.
- Training or research experience that offers a complementary or innovative perspective.
- Lived experiences involving challenges or barriers that inform a unique approach to aging-related research and innovation.
To be competitive for the Stage 2 cash prize, finalists must meet the following requirements by the established deadline:
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Finalists must form a company eligible to apply for an NIH SBIR/STTR grant and meet with an NIH program officer to discuss the aims and objectives of a potential NIH SBIR/STTR grant proposal by November 1, 2027.
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Finalists are required to successfully complete a comprehensive entrepreneurship training program and exhibit proficiency in effectively presenting their business concepts to a wide public audience, including prospective partners and investors. Finalists are strongly encouraged to participate in the in-person bootcamp and in-person conference offered as part of this Challenge’s accelerator program; however, finalists may propose an alternative, comparable training program or conference for prior approval.
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Finalists must submit a one-page document outlining the potential prize impact on advancing their business and innovation, and on furthering the NIA mission to improve the health and quality of life of older adults.
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Finalists must submit a 7-minute pitch video addressing the potential of their product and the strength of their team.
The Stage 2 review will be conducted by a judging panel composed of NIA program staff. The panel will evaluate each finalist’s submission materials (a one-page document and a 7-minute pitch), along with a mentor assessment that provides an expert perspective on the anticipated impact of the prize, informed by the mentor’s technical expertise and experience advising the finalist.
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 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:
- The submission addresses an underfunded area relevant to the NIA small business research priorities. (Active NIA SBIR/STTR awards can be found in NIH RePORTER.)
- The product addresses a unique challenge or unmet need for older adults.
- The individual or team brings relevant background, experience, or perspectives that would broaden and strengthen aging-related research and development. Note that the race, ethnicity, or sex of the submitter(s) are not considered as part of any evaluation criteria. Some examples of permissible considerations for this criterion include but are not limited to:
- Experience as a caregiver for older adults, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or AD-related dementias.
- Training or research experience that offers a complementary or innovative perspective.
- Lived experiences involving challenges or barriers that inform a unique approach to aging-related research and innovation.
Significance (0-15 points): To what degree does the product address a significant unmet need in the older adult population?
Innovation (0-15 points): How novel is the product? What is the competitive advantage?
Commercialization (0-10 points): How effectively does the submitter explain the potential for commercial success? 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?
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 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:
- The submission addresses an underfunded area relevant to the NIA small business research priorities. (Active NIA SBIR/STTR awards can be found in NIH RePORTER.)
- The product addresses a unique challenge or unmet need for older adults.
- The individual or team brings relevant background, experience, or perspectives that would broaden and strengthen aging-related research and development. Note that the race, ethnicity, or sex of the submitter(s) are not considered as part of any evaluation criteria. Some examples of permissible considerations for this criterion include but are not limited to:
- Experience as a caregiver for older adults, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or AD-related dementias.
- Training or research experience that offers a complementary or innovative perspective.
- Lived experiences involving challenges or barriers that inform a unique approach to aging-related research and innovation.
Significance (0-15 points): To what degree does the product address a significant unmet need in the older adult population?
Innovation (0-15 points): How novel is the product? What is the competitive advantage?
Commercialization (0-10 points): How effectively does the submitter explain the potential for commercial success? 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?