|
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has launched an exciting new challenge prize competition, the Healthy Aging Start-Up Challenge and Bootcamp to Foster Diversity and Accelerate Innovation. The goal of the challenge is to stimulate innovation and foster diversity in aging research and development by providing cash prizes and non-cash prizes, such as strategic resources provided through an entrepreneur bootcamp, that will help participants overcome barriers to participating in life sciences entrepreneurship.
NIA invites researchers and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds with a demonstrated need for entrepreneurial resources who have innovative ideas for science-driven technologies and products that have the potential to increase the diversity of NIA-funded small business research and development.
|
Missed our Diversity Challenge and Bootcamp Pre-Application Webinar?
View the Healthy Aging Start-Up Challenge and Bootcamp pre-application webinar, which provides an overview of the Challenge and Bootcamp, as well as a Q&A discussion following the presentation. If you missed it, visit our Archives page to access the recording.
|
|
|
|
About the Program
Out of the pool of applicants, up to 20 finalists will be selected to participate in a 4-month entrepreneurial bootcamp involving 4-6 hours per week. The bootcamp will be mostly virtual, except for one 3- to 4-day in-person networking event in Boston scheduled for September 19-22, 2022. That activity will take place depending on COVID-19 travel and gathering restrictions, with NIH covering travel costs for participants.
The bootcamp will offer resources identified as areas of need for the diverse entrepreneur community, including:
- Entrepreneurial coaching and workshops
- Mentorship
- Grant application skill building
- Peer-to-peer networking
- Access to industry networks
Who Should Apply?
Individuals and teams with a demonstrated need for entrepreneur resources and support who have an innovative idea for a science-driven technology or product that aligns with the NIA small business research priorities are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Applicants from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Applicants developing a product or technology to address the unique needs of older adults from minority and/or medically underserved populations
About the NIA Small Business Programs
Through the SBIR and STTR programs, NIA OSBR provides more than $100 million annually, non-dilutive funding, and resources to support small businesses looking to commercialize technologies. The small business programs support eligible companies and entrepreneurs in creating innovative therapeutics, devices, and diagnostics that address aging, aging-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and the special needs of older Americans. Check out the NIA OSBR fact sheet to learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
