Phase 1 called on scientific, technical, and clinical experts to submit innovative detection methods that will advance Lyme disease diagnostics.
A prize competition to accelerate the development of Lyme disease diagnostics
About the competition
The goal of the LymeX Diagnostics Prize is to develop diagnostics that can accurately detect active Lyme disease infections in people. The multiphase competition will nurture the development of innovative solutions toward Food and Drug Administration review. Phase 1 awarded $1 million. At the discretion of HHS and the Cohen Foundation, and subject to availability of future funding, at least one additional phase may follow Phase 2. Future phases are expected to focus on clinical and nonclinical validation of diagnostic test(s) that detect active infection by Lyme-disease-causing bacteria, as well as readiness for regulatory submission and market entry. Thanks to a $10 million pledge to the LymeX Diagnostics Prize from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, $9 million in additional LymeX prizes are projected to be available to proposed future phases.
Phase 1 timeline
Phase 1 was open to all eligible entrants to submit concept papers and plans for development.
Competition launch
May 17, 2022
Submission deadline
August 8, 2022
Judging
Fall 2022
We are here
Phase 1 winner announcement
Fall 2022
Phase 2 launch
Late 2022
Phase 1 prizes
A judging panel recommended up to 10 winners according to official Phase 1 evaluation criteria. Phase 1 winners will receive an equal share of the $1 million Phase 1 prize pool and will have the opportunity to participate in a planned Phase 2.
Note: No future phases or prizes are guaranteed beyond Phase 1. Future phases may be launched at the discretion of HHS and Cohen Foundation, and any prize amounts beyond Phase 1 are anticipated and subject to future availability of funds.
$1 million
With $10 million anticipated total prize pool planned across three phases