NCATS runs Challenges to find new and creative approaches to problems from innovative thinkers. Challenges are a flexible alternative to traditional funding mechanisms, such as contracts and grants. By using Challenges, NCATS can encourage collaborations, stimulate innovative ideas, and engage a diverse array of people from all across the country in developing successful solutions to government needs.
Current Opportunities
2020 ASPIRE Reduction-to-Practice Challenge
Submission period: Nov. 30, 2020–Feb. 28, 2021
The goal of the 2020 ASPIRE Reduction-to-Practice challenge is to spur the development of a comprehensive integrated platform for translational innovation in pain, opioid use disorder and overdose. ASPIRE is supported through the Helping to End Addiction Long-term InitiativeSM, or NIH Heal InitiativeSM.
Learn more about Challenge.
Expired Opportunities
The 2020 Rare Diseases Are Not Rare! Challenge entrants created a gallery of social media and art submissions, from videos and poems to spoken-word performances and personal stories. Winners and honorable mentions have been announced.
The 2018 ASPIRE Design Challenges encouraged innovative and catalytic approaches toward solving the opioid crisis by developing “A Specialized Platform for Innovative Research Exploration” (ASPIRE).
The 2018 Rare Diseases Are Not Rare! Challenge received nearly 50 submissions, including posters, videos, and poems from people around the country to help bring attention to rare diseases and encourage interest in medical research.
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