Challenges and Prize Competitions

Oligonucleotide Toxicity (OligoTox) Open Data Challenge

The Oligonucleotide Toxicity (OligoTox) Open Data Challenge is a two-phase prize competition that has the goal of creating publicly accessible, high-quality datasets from in vitro human-based systems that can lead to development of improved in silico models for predicting toxicity of an oligo based on its sequence, chemical modifications, etc. The first phase (Ideation Phase) will focus on ideation by proposing data from in vitro human-based systems that can be collected and used in predicting the toxicity of a candidate oligo therapeutic. This in vitro human-based data may be supplemented by data from in vitro and in vivo animal models to improve predictive parameters and inferences. The second Data Generation Phase will incentivize the collection, generation, and contribution of this data in creating a high-quality open dataset that can be released for public access for use in training and improving predictive models of oligo toxicity. Both phases require following proper data management practices (e.g., as noted on this NIH Scientific Data Sharing webpage) as transparency and reproducibility will be critical factors for successful dissemination of these datasets for use by the broader scientific community.

View the Announcement of Requirements and Registration for the Oligonucleotide Toxicity (OligoTox) Open Data Challenge (PDF - 98KB)

View the NIH OligoTox Open Data Challenge Participant Registration (PDF - 800KB)

NCATS Rare Diseases Are Not Rare! 2025 Challenge Prize Competition

More than 10,000 known rare diseases affect millions of people across the United States. The Rare Diseases are Not Rare! 2025 Challenge Prize Competition is helping to raise awareness of the importance of rare diseases research and the benefit of identifying solutions to address multiple rare diseases at a time. We welcome creative and original work that can inspire action and shine a light on the rare disease community!

See the 2020 Challenge Winners and Honorable Mentions

See the 2018 Challenge Winners and Honorable Mentions

For additional information and registration instructions, visit the NCATS Rare Diseases Are Not Rare! 2025 Challenge Prize Competition webpage.

NIH Quantum Computing Challenge

NIH Quantum Computing Challenge aims to catalyze the identification of novel applications of quantum computing approaches to apply toward use cases within clinical, translational, and biomedical problem areas. The Challenge will have two stages: Ideation and Planning followed by Quantum Algorithm Development, and Implementation on Quantum Hardware. NIH-NCATS intends to award a total prize purse of up to $1,300,000 across the two stages of Quantum Computing Challenge. The three areas of interest for the current Challenge include:

1. Quantum Algorithms for Drug Discovery
2. Quantum Algorithms for Clinical Risk Predictions, Diagnosis and Therapeutics
3. Quantum Algorithms for Biomedical Imaging and Genomic Data Analysis

See the Stage 1 Challenge Winners

Registration information and complete submissions (PDF files) must be sent via email to NIH Quantum Challenges.

NCATS Translational Science Education & Training Challenge

The NCATS Translational Science Education and Training Challenge seeks exemplary models of translational science education and training. The models should contribute to building a large, diverse and highly skilled translational science workforce. Winning models will convey specialized knowledge and skills to help identify and overcome translational challenges and advance translational progress. They will use effective teaching approaches tailored to reach the varied contributors that are essential to advancing the translational enterprise. The Challenge will identify, amplify and disseminate winning models to a broad national audience.

View and complete the registration form.

NIH Quantum Sensing Technology Challenge

The NIH Quantum Sensing Technology Challenge aims to spur innovative applications of existing quantum-enabled sensing technologies and to adapt and optimize them for use in biomedical research and clinical settings. The Challenge will have two stages: Ideation and Planning followed by implementation. The total prize purse for the Quantum Sensing Challenge will be up to $1,600,000 across two stages. The three areas of interest for the current challenge are the following:

1. Quantum-enabled Sensing Approaches to Advance Biomedical Applications
2. Quantum-enabled Sensing Approaches for Early Detection and Diagnostics
3. Quantum-enabled Sensing and Imaging Devices for Diagnostics and Monitoring

See the Stage 1 Challenge Winners

Registration information and complete submissions (PDF files) must be sent via email to NIH Quantum Challenges.

Complement-ARIE Challenge

The Complement-Animal Research In Experimentation (Complement-ARIE) program is looking for ideas to boost the creation, standardization, validation, and application of New Approach Methodologies that better imitate human biology. Solutions should include cutting-edge innovations using cell or tissue experiments (in vitro), computer simulations and modeling (in silico), or biochemical assays (in chemico) to replicate human biology, either individually or in combination. It’s important that solutions show a significant step forward from the current advanced technologies.

TARGETED Challenge

The TARGETED (Targeted Genome Editor Delivery) Challenge aims to advance genome editing delivery technology by sourcing innovative solutions for delivering gene editors to somatic cells.