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 12-week program will include 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 ten teams to receive accelerator support services, including:

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 will have the opportunity to present their innovations in a virtual showcase. They'll have the chance to engage with investors and government agencies and compete for a cash prize of up to $50,000.

Submit your Application

Applications will be accepted for consideration through August 2025.

Notification of Acceptance

Up to 10 teams will be notified in December 2025 to receive 12 weeks of FREE accelerator services. No-cost, no-equity will be taken.

Accelerator Kickoff

The accelerator will launch during JPM Week in San Francisco, propelling startups into an exciting journey!

Virtual Showcase

Teams that complete the accelerator program will pitch in a virtual showcase in Spring 2026 to win up to $50,000.

Apply to the I-CREATE Accelerator + Prize Challenge

Applications will be accepted for consideration through August 2025.

About the Prize Package

Tailored Mentorship and Advisors

Selected companies will receive 1:1 mentorship in regulatory affairs, quality systems, clinical strategy, market access, and business development to position their innovation for successful fundraising and commercialization.

Accelerator Services

Entrepreneurship education combined with technical and business expertise will empower participants to explore customer discovery, financial planning, intellectual property strategy, product development, regulatory pathways, and go-to-market strategy—ultimately supporting capital readiness and successful fundraising.

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.

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?

Up to 10 teams will receive accelerator support services, including:

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 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 by August 2025.
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 2026 to win a cash prize of up to $50,000 USD.

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.

I-CREATE Accelerator + Prize Challenge

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