I-CREATE Accelerator + Prize Challenge

The BARDA Accelerator Network Hub for Medical Devices and Diagnostics

Seeking innovative solutions aligned with BARDA’s mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and fortify health security!

This 6-month program will include monthly, interactive seminars covering the activities and steps to successfully take your innovation from ideation to market launch. After reviewing applications for alignment with the BARDA mission and areas of interest relevant to medical devices or diagnostics, I-CREATE will select six teams to receive wrap-around accelerator support services, including:

Virtual networking events

Tailored educational series with interactive learning opportunities

1:1 mentorship in areas including regulatory, quality, clinical, commercialization, and fundraising with seasoned subject matter experts

Access to vast networks of investors, development partners, and verification and validation service providers for technologies and teams at all stages of development

At the culmination of the program, each team in the cohort will have the opportunity to present their innovations in a virtual showcase, where they will have the chance to engage with investors and government agencies. They will also compete for a cash prize of up to $50,000 USD.

Accelerator + Prize Challenge Application

Applications will include a 3-minute recorded pitch and will be accepted for consideration through November 25, 2024.

Prize Challenge Webinar

Join our medical device and diagnostic commercialization experts too learn about the I-CREATE accelerator program and how to optimize your pitch.

Notification of Cohort Acceptance

Six teams will be notified in December 2024 to receive 6 months of FREE wrap-around accelerator services.

I-CREATE Virtual Showcase

Teams that complete the accelerator program will pitch in a virtual showcase in Spring 2025 to win a cash prize of up to $50,000 USD.

Apply to the I-CREATE Accelerator + Prize Challenge

Applications have been extended until November 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST.

This challenge is open to existing I-CREATE applicants and new applicants.

You can find a Word Document of the application in the FAQ section.

Join the 2025 Interest List

About the Prize Package

Educational Opportunities

This program will feature educational opportunities and a commercialization curriculum tailored to cohort needs. Cohort participants will also have access to virtual networking events where they can learn key components of the commercialization process, grow their network, and meet key opinion leaders.

Mentorship

Participants will receive mentorship from subject matter experts in areas of regulatory, quality, clinical, commercialization, and fundraising while leveraging a vast network of investors, development partners, and verification and validation service providers.

Wraparound Accelerator Services

I-CREATE supports health security innovators and companies by providing wraparound accelerator services including entrepreneurship education and access to a wide range of technical and commercialization expertise and resources.

Who's eligible?

Applicants working on diagnostics, medical devices, and platform technology aligned with BARDA's mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and health security.
Seeking applicants from all over the world!

What is included in the prize package?

Six teams will receive wrap-around accelerator support services, including:

Virtual networking events
Tailored educational series with interactive learning opportunities
1:1 mentorship in areas including regulatory, quality, clinical, commercialization, and fundraising with seasoned subject matter experts
Access to vast networks of investors, development partners, and verification and validation service providers for technologies and teams at all stages of development

At the end of the program, there will be a showcase in which each team in the cohort will present their technologies in a showcase pitch competition with a cash prize of up to $50,000USD.

How to apply? What is the timeline?

Use the yellow APPLY NOW button above to apply. Click here to view the Word Document of the application.

Submit your pitch deck, information about your alignment with BARDA’s areas of interest, and upload a video* of your pitch by November 1st.
Attend virtual webinars.
Six teams will be notified during December to receive FREE wrap-around accelerator services.
Teams selected for the cohort will pitch virtually in Spring 2025 to win a cash prize of up to $50,000 USD.

* Video pitches must be kept under 3 minutes.

Are there any applicant resources?

Info Session Recording
Creating a Life Science Startup 1/4: Business Essentials Video
Creating a Life Science Startup 2/4: The Market Video
Creating a Life Science Startup 3/4: Executive Team & Advisory Boards Video
Creating a Life Science Startup 4/4: Financial Projections & Structuring Cap Tables Video
Six Common Mistakes in Biotech Pitch Decks Article
The University Lab Partners Resource Center contains a library of articles, events, videos, and tools for life science innovators to help achieve startup success.

Watch the Info Session

Watch our info session for an overview of the I-CREATE Accelerator + Prize Challenge and how to maximize your video pitch. Applications now close on November 25, 2024.

Missed out? Attend the session on November 19 or November 20.

I-CREATE Accelerator + Prize Challenge

Seeking innovative solutions aligned with BARDA’s mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and fortify health security!

Timeline