Start-Up Challenge
2023 NIA Start-Up Challenge and Accelerator
Through this Challenge, NIA seeks researchers and entrepreneurs with a demonstrated need who have innovative ideas for science-driven technologies and products with the potential to increase the diversity of NIA-funded small business research and development and that align with the NIA small business research priorities.
NIA announced the six winners of the 2023 Challenge in February 2024. Learn more about these emerging entrepreneurs and their solutions for healthy aging.
How can I stay up to date on the Challenge?
This website will be updated when the next NIA Challenge opportunity opens, expected in late 2024. Find out more about past Challenge cohorts.
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Learn about the 2023 Start-Up Challenge and Finalists
Watch this overview of the 2023 NIA Start-Up Challenge and Accelerator for Fostering Entrepreneurial Diversity.
Explore the Start-Up Challenge:
- 2023 Winners, Finalists, and Mentors
- About the Challenge and Accelerator
- Eligibility and Rules
- Judging Criteria and Prizes
- More Information
- Past Start-Up Challenge Cohorts
Statutory Authority to Conduct the Challenge
The NIA is conducting this Challenge pursuant to authorities under the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Reauthorization Act of 2010, 15 U.S.C. 3719. In addition, this Challenge is consistent with the mission of the NIA, as described in 42 U.S.C. 285e, to conduct and support biomedical, social, and behavioral research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the aging process and the diseases and other special problems and needs of the aged. This Challenge also aims to enhance equity in the NIA SBIR and STTR programs as a means to further the congressional goal of the SBIR and STTR programs under 15 U.S.C. 638 to foster and encourage participation by socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, and by women-owned small businesses, in technological innovation.