2026 $100,000 Start an SUD Startup Challenge

Details from the funder

Teams of three to five individuals aged 18 or older, intending to form a U.S.-based startup or representing a U.S.-based startup in its early formation and growth. Teams may come from an academic institution or nonprofit; no prior startup experience is necessary. A team leader who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident registers, submits and receives any cash award. Noncitizen/nonpermanent-resident team members may participate but cannot receive any share of a monetary prize. Active SBIR/STTR grantees and applicants with SBIR/STTR applications under review are ineligible. Past nonwinners may resubmit the same or a new idea; past winners must submit a new idea. Federal entities, federal employees acting within their duties, HHS employees even in a personal capacity, judges/competition personnel and their immediate families are excluded. Other federal employees must consult ethics officials. Teams cannot use federal grant/cooperative-agreement or federal contract funds to develop entries. Ideas must concern drug use, misuse or substance use disorder; alcohol-use-disorder and pain ideas are not accepted. Every member must commit at least 25 hours monthly for the entire six-month mentoring program and complete the required exercises and final startup presentation to qualify for Stage 2 cash.