NIA Start-Up Challenge and Accelerator 2027

NIA's 2027 Start-Up Challenge combines a national prize competition with a five-month accelerator for researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs developing evidence-based technologies that improve the health and wellbeing of older adults. Up to 21 finalists receive cash prizes, entrepreneurial training, mentorship, pitch coaching, and guidance on NIH small-business research funding. The program is explicitly designed to translate aging research into accessible products and companies.

The challenge is intended for researchers and innovators who are new to entrepreneurship or actively pursuing a science-driven technology aligned with NIA's mission. Applicants must show both the older-adult health value of the idea and a substantial need for the accelerator's training, mentorship, and prize support. Finalists must form an eligible company before the program's later SBIR or STTR preparation milestones.

Selected finalists receive a cash prize, five months of structured entrepreneurial education, one-to-one founder and investor mentorship, pitch coaching, business and regulatory guidance, and introductions to NIA's SBIR and STTR programs. The official program also includes in-person bootcamp and health-innovation events. Final winners receive an additional cash prize after the accelerator and pitch process.