This competition is specifically for antigen test development. Only antigen-based detection technologies are eligible. If you’re working on other pathogen diagnostic or lab-based technologies (e.g., LAMP, PCR, other molecular tests), please refer to other DRIVE-supported solicitations.
The desired product specifications list a cost of materials/goods under $0.50 per antigen test and under $10 for any associated (optional) reader. These are threshold targets. Applicants should provide a cost-of-goods calculation supported by vendor quotes, based on sourcing and manufacturing 100,000 units. While full-scale manufacturing isn’t expected, please include reasonable assumptions and substantiation.
FDA approval is not required at the prototype stage, as that would necessitate clinical trials. However, regulatory approval of the antigen test should be the ultimate goal of future development work. Devices intended solely for research use may not align with the competition’s focus on commercialization.
No specific TRL is required. We encourage innovation at any stage. Applicants should provide strong scientific justification and any available preliminary data in their concept-stage submission.
No. To ensure fairness, feedback from the concept stage will not be provided before the prototype stage, as some prototype participants may not have competed in the concept stage.
No. This competition does not cover molecular diagnostics as they typically detect pathogen nucleic acid products. Please review other DRIVE- or BARDA-supported opportunities. This program focuses solely on (protein) antigen-based tests.
The $3 million will be awarded to prototype-stage winners at the completion of the prototype project in Fall 2028. There are no upfront payments; funds are awarded to competition winners after evaluation of completed work.
The prototype should be a unified product that includes all components needed to deliver a result from sample input to readout. Readers or sample collection devices may be included, if necessary, but the focus is on the development and demonstration of the antigen test itself. Designs must be suitable for home and field use (i.e., CLIA-waived settings).
Antigen testing is a requirement. Only (protein) antigen-based diagnostic tests are eligible.
It depends. Applicants must justify that the distinctions between the strains are clinically meaningful and relevant. The goal is to identify truly distinct pathogens. For example, distinguishing between Ebola virus subtypes would qualify.
No. This competition is limited to infectious pathogen detection—not environmental or chemical detection.
Applicants should calculate COGs based on 100,000 units. The time period is flexible but must be justified logically in your submission.
The cost targets are ambitious by design. This competition seeks innovative breakthroughs, not incremental improvements. All participants are evaluated under the same published criteria.
Not necessarily. You may still submit to the concept stage. The cost targets apply to winning submissions, but all are encouraged to apply and justify their assumptions.
No funds are provided upfront. The concept stage is self-funded. Winners, announced in Spring 2026, each receive $100,000. They may use this award to pursue the prototype stage.
Multiplexing refers to a single test run on a single sample to detect the presence of multiple distinct pathogens. Multiple separate tests do not count as multiplexed.
Cost of goods (COGs) is not the same as price. A lower COGs provides greater flexibility for manufacturers to set pricing and maintain margins.
Concept-stage winners will be announced and awarded in Spring 2026.
No, the two stages are independent of one another. Applicants may apply to either stage or to both, depending on where they are in their development.
Yes, winners of the prize competition will be selected as their final submissions are received.
Non-confidential information will be disclosed publicly and will be reviewed by the finalists prior to publication; however, please expect that certain information will be made public.
Schedule a 15-minute call with our Director of Innovation Programs.
Diagnostics and Medical Device platforms technologies aligned with BARDA’s mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and health security.
Foreign Owned Influence: the Awardee shall not have, and shall ensure that affiliates, Sub-awardees and DEV Project Sub-awardees do not have foreign investment capital/interests from USG prohibited sources list of embargoed and sanctioned countries, as defined by U.S. Departments of Treasury and Commerce.
I-CREATE is seeking proposals for the development of innovative diagnostic and medical device innovations, in alignment with BARDA’s mission to promote health security. Innovators are invited to submit proposals for funding to allow:
Submit your applications by September 30, 2025, to be considered for the 2026 cohort of I-CREATE.
Non-Dilutive Funding Track
November 2025 Full proposal submission
December 2025 Internview notification
January 2026 Finalists announced
Accelerator Program Track
November 2025 Interview notification
January 2026 Finalists announced
I-CREATE is seeking proposals for the development of innovative diagnostic and medical device innovations, in alignment with BARDA’s mission to promote health security. Innovators are invited to submit proposals for funding to allow: