The ReadyDetect: Next-Generation Diagnostics Competition is a $10 million, 2-part competition to advance high-performance testing and expand low-cost diagnostics into the home or in the field. University Lab Partners' (ULP) I-CREATE, in partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), calls on diagnostics researchers and developers to partner and accelerate the development of high-performance antigen tests that can be applied to the detection of key pathogens on PHEMCE's high-priority threats list.
The two-part competition challenges innovators worldwide to develop high-performance, multiplexed antigen tests that are cost-effective, user-friendly, and capable of detecting priority pathogens in decentralized settings from clinics and pharmacies to remote areas and the home.
The Need: Diagnostics Beyond the Lab
In a public health emergency, access to centralized laboratory testing is often limited. Current lateral flow assays, while cost-effective, lack the sensitivity and specificity of PCR. ReadyDetect calls on innovators to close this gap by creating solutions that are both affordable and accurate, enabling early detection and rapid response to threats such as pandemic influenza and filoviruses.
The Opportunity: $10 Million in Prizes
The competition offers two funding stages:
- Concept Stage (2025–2026): Up to 10 winners will each receive $100,000 for innovative concept papers detailing technologies, development plans, and feasibility data.
- Prototype Stage (2026–2028): Up to 3 winners may each receive $3 million for successful prototype development demonstrating clinically relevant performance, regulatory readiness, and low-cost manufacturing potential.
Concept Stage awards are expected to be announced in Spring 2026 and Prototype Stage by Spring 2028.
"ReadyDetect is about reimagining what's possible in diagnostics," said Stephanie Chan, Director of Innovation Programs, ULP. "By fostering collaboration across academia, startups, and industry, we can accelerate breakthrough technologies that bring reliable, affordable testing closer to the patient whether at home, in a pharmacy, or in the field."
Eligibility & Collaboration
The competition is open to commercial, academic, and non-profit entities worldwide. To ensure scalability and commercialization, academic and non-profit applicants must partner with a commercial entity. Entrants will be evaluated by an expert judging panel on product design, feasibility, regulatory planning, and commercialization potential.
A Vision for Public Health Readiness
As healthcare continues to move toward decentralized models, ReadyDetect aims to ensure that communities everywhere are better prepared for emerging infectious disease threats. The competition will advance diagnostic tools that are accurate, accessible, and resilient and ultimately strengthening pandemic response and public health readiness for the future.
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.universitylabpartners.org/readydetect
📰 Read the official press release here.
About I-CREATE
I-CREATE fosters groundbreaking innovation in the medical device and diagnostics sectors by serving as a bridge between startups and a network of investors, industry leaders, and experienced mentors. Through this collaboration, the program empowers entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of development and commercialization, driving the advancement of transformative medical countermeasures that address critical health challenges and improve lives globally.
About University Lab Partners
University Lab Partners (ULP) is a premier nonprofit wet lab incubator located in Orange County, CA, with facilities in Irvine and Aliso Viejo. ULP provides state-of-the-art wet lab spaces and fosters a vibrant entrepreneurial community focused on life sciences. In addition to offering highly equipped facilities and peer-to-peer collaboration opportunities, ULP runs global accelerator programs and workforce development initiatives, empowering innovators and advancing the life sciences ecosystem worldwide.
