The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has launched the fourth NIA Start-Up Challenge and Accelerator, offering early-stage innovators a combination of funding, entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and networking to help advance new technologies focused on aging and older adults.
The 2027 Challenge will award up to $994,000 in total cash prizes while providing selected entrepreneurs with hands-on support to move research-driven ideas toward commercialization.
The Challenge is seeking innovative tools, technologies, and interventions that address aging-related diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. NIA is also looking for solutions that promote healthy aging, help older adults age in the place of their choice, improve care delivery, and reduce the burden on caregivers.
A Focus on Early-Stage Innovators
The program is designed in particular for individuals and teams that are new to entrepreneurship or are still at an early stage of building a company.
Selected finalists will each receive a $24,000 cash prize and participate in a five-month entrepreneurial accelerator featuring mentorship, education, networking, and business development support.
Participants will also receive guidance on navigating NIH funding opportunities, including NIA’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, commonly known as SBIR and STTR.
At the conclusion of the accelerator, participants will pitch their ventures for the opportunity to become one of seven winners, each receiving an additional $70,000 cash prize.
For researchers and innovators who have developed promising science but may have limited experience building a company, raising capital, developing a commercialization strategy, or navigating the NIH small business ecosystem, the Challenge offers an opportunity to build those capabilities alongside experienced mentors.
Important Dates
The Challenge launched September 1, 2026, with submissions opening December 1, 2026.
NIA will host an informational webinar on December 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET for prospective applicants interested in learning more about the program, application process, and expectations.
Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2027.
Mentors Wanted
NIA is also seeking experienced professionals in research, technology translation, entrepreneurship, investment, commercialization, and related fields to serve as mentors for the next accelerator cohort.
Mentors have the opportunity to work directly with emerging entrepreneurs as they develop their technologies, business strategies, and commercialization plans.
BioHealth Innovation encourages entrepreneurs, researchers, and aspiring founders across the BioHealth Capital Region who are developing technologies related to aging and healthy longevity to explore this opportunity.
Learn more about the 2027 NIA Start-Up Challenge and Accelerator and register for the December 3 informational webinar through the National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/challenges/2027-nia-start-challenge-accelerator
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