Early‑stage entrepreneurs, researchers, or teams who are US citizens, permanent residents, or US‑based private entities can apply.

Winning teams can receive up to $94,000 in cash, a five‑month accelerator, mentorship, training, and support for NIH grant applications.

When is the deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 15 January 2027 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

Is any equity required?

No equity is taken; the program provides equity‑free cash prizes and support.

NIA $94K Healthy Aging Startup Challenge 2027

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NIA Start-Up Challenge 2027

The NIA Start‑Up Challenge offers up to $94,000 cash prizes plus a 5‑month accelerator for US‑based early‑stage teams tackling healthy aging.

Jan 15, 2027

Deadline

23:59UTC

Time

112 days left

Target Stage

IdeationValidationMVP Development

ORGANIZED BY

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

ORGANIZATION TYPE

Government Body

LOCATION

United States

WHO CAN APPLY

Startups

FUNDING

Up to $94.0K

EQUITY

About This Opportunity

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) launches a challenge that awards $94,000 cash prize to each winning team and runs a five‑month accelerator at no cost. Participants receive one‑to‑one mentorship from seasoned founders and investors, plus weekly entrepreneurial training to sharpen their business skills. The program includes pitch development coaching, business, regulatory and reimbursement guidance, and NIH SBIR/STTR funding support to help teams prepare grant applications. Throughout the accelerator, founders can engage in networking with investors and industry partners, accelerating their path toward commercialization of healthy‑aging technologies. Open to early‑stage entrepreneurs and researchers who are US citizens, permanent residents, or US‑based entities, the challenge aims to accelerate innovations that improve healthy aging, Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving and care‑delivery models.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

What is the prize?

When is the deadline?

Is any equity required?

Ready to take the next step?

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NIA Start-Up Challenge 2027

NIA Start-Up Challenge 2027

Summary

About This Opportunity

Support & Benefits

Eligibility & Requirements

Application Process

Support & Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?Expand or collapse

Who can apply?

What is the prize?Expand or collapse

What is the prize?

When is the deadline?Expand or collapse

When is the deadline?

Is any equity required?Expand or collapse

Is any equity required?

Ready to take the next step?