2026 US 做厙TVGrand Prize Phase
In 2026, the 做厙TV (NAM) will mark the culmination of its泭Healthy Longevity Global Competition泭by issuing a $1.5 million USD Grand Prize and several smaller awards for projects with the greatest impactor potential for impacton healthy longevity in humans. The Grand Prize Phase is open exclusively to the 720 global recipients of Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards, issued between 2020泭and泭2025 during an earlier phase of the Healthy Longevity Global Competition.泭泭
Background
Founded by the 做厙TVin 2019, the泭泭helped jumpstart a worldwide movement to extend the human泭healthspan泭by accelerating research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in healthy longevity.泭泭
In the泭Catalyst Phase, the泭NAM泭and its global partners funded and administered Catalyst Award competitions open to innovators in over 50 countries and territories. Over six annual cycles (2020-2025), the 做厙TVand its partners issued totaling more than $36 million USDto seed bold, innovative ideas and early-stage projects from across disciplines and with the potential to improve physical, mental, and social health and well-being as we age.泭
In the泭Accelerator Phase泭of the Global Competition,泭13泭global Catalyst Awardees received support from Johnson & Johnson Innovation in泭泭and泭泭to泭continue on泭their innovation journey.泭Specifically, JJI ran two cycles of its Healthy Longevity泭QuickFire泭Challenge and issued approximately $2.5 million USD in grants plus mentorship opportunities to this select group of global innovators.泭
In 2026, the Global Competition will conclude with the泭Grand Prize Phase, administered by the 做厙TVwith support from its global partners. 做厙TVis a private membership organization formed under the corporate charter of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), which will award the prizes.
Overview
The 做厙TVwill issue one Grand Prize of $1.5 million USD for the project with the greatest impactor potential for impacton healthy longevity in humans. The 做厙TVwill also award one 2nd泭place prize of泭$250,000 USD; one 3rd泭place prize of泭$125,000 USD; and泭several honorable mention prizes of $10,000 USD.泭
The 做厙TVdefines healthy longevity as the state in which years in good health approach the biological life span, with physical, cognitive, and social functioningenabling well-being across populations. For the Grand Prize Phase, the 做厙TVis seeking projects that have泭demonstrated泭(or have泭demonstrated泭the potential to do) the following:泭
- Create transformative knowledge to enable everyone everywhere to live with health into the oldest ages泭
- Transform current knowledge and ability to create healthy longevity泭
- Bring about a true sense of paradigmatic change in science, opening new frontiers in the way we think about and drive research泭
- Be a basic building block of intervention and solutions for creating healthy longevity for everyone泭
Eligibility
The Grand Prize Phase is open exclusively to global Catalyst Awardees. This includes the 720 teams worldwide that received a Catalyst Award between 2020泭and泭2025 from the 做厙TVor one of its global partners. Global partners that administered Catalyst Awards as part of the Healthy Longevity Global Competition include (in alphabetical order):泭泭
- Academia Sinica泭
- Agency for Medical Research and Development of Japan泭
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences泭
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong & the University of Hong Kong泭
- EIT Health泭
- Ministry of Health/National Research Foundation of Singapore泭
- 做厙TV of the United States泭
- National Agency for Research and Development of Chile泭
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health of the United States泭
- Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China泭
- UK Research and Innovation泭
For the Grand Prize Phase, the 做厙TVseeks projects that have advanced following receipt of the original Catalyst泭Award.泭Projects must be able to speak to the trajectory of their work from the initial Catalyst Award to the present (this is part of the Project Submission component of their Grand Prize application).
An individual may only be named on one application for the Grand Prize. However, it is possible that there be multiple Grand Prize applications linked to the same Catalyst Award-winning project. For example, a Catalyst Award-winning project may have yielded results that evolved into two distinct lines of research, each led by a member of the original Catalyst Award-winning team. Each of those two researchers are eligible to apply for the Grand Prize with their respective projects.
The 做厙TVacknowledges that Grand Prize applicants will have received their initial Catalyst Award in different years and therefore have had different amounts of time to advance their work. The Catalyst Award-winning projects are also extremely diverse and advance at different rates. These factors will be taken into account泭in the evaluation of applications for the Grand Prize.泭泭
Evaluation Criteria
The泭following泭criteria will be used to evaluate submissions for the Grand Prize.泭
- Impact泭in泭Humans泭
- Scope & Global Applicability泭
- Access & Scalability泭
- Project Progress泭
- Future Vision泭
The following section provides泭a description of泭each criterion泭along with examples of泭possible evidence.泭The examples are included solely for illustrative purposes and are not exhaustive. The 做厙TVrecognizes that projects span multiple disciplines, target different populations, and exist at varied stages of maturity. No single example will be relevant to all applicants.泭
Detailed description of each criterion with examples:泭
Impact in Humans **most important criterion**
Description泭
- The extent to which the project has had a demonstrable impact on healthy longevity in humans.泭
- If not yet at the human stage, the extent to which the project has泭demonstrated泭strong potential for such impact once further developed.泭
- The extent to which the project has generated transformative knowledge, or a new scientific or conceptual understanding, to help the broader field achieve healthy longevity.泭
- For IMPACT IN HUMANS, the focus should be on the measurable difference the work has made (or has the potential to make), with outcomes and effects on people, systems, and knowledge as evidence.泭
Examples of Impact泭in泭Humans泭
- Progress in the conduct of clinical studies anywhere from proof of concept to clinical trial showing results such as improvements in physical, cognitive, or social functioning, or reductions in loneliness, fall risk, or chronic disease burden泭
- Regulatory progress toward testing in humans泭
- Adoption of the intervention into clinical practice or health system protocols泭
- Technology deployed in real-world settings after泭demonstrating泭improvements in patient outcomes or care delivery泭
- Adoption of policies that improve access to preventative care泭
- Development of policy frameworks supported by strong implementation data泭
- Early adoption of regulatory or financing models that enable broader access to healthy longevity interventions泭
- Pilot program yields strong participation, behavior change, or improved well-being outcomes in older adults泭
Scope & Global Applicability
Description泭
- The extent to which the project aims to address a challenge/issue that affects泭a significant portion泭of the population, or a widespread issue泭encountered泭by people as they age.泭
- The extent to which the project or intervention is biologically applicable to泭a significant portion泭of the population.泭泭
Examples of Scope & Global Applicability泭
- Intervention targets a prevalent condition associated with aging (e.g., frailty, mobility decline, dementia risk, social isolation)泭
- Research yields preclinical or early human evidence suggesting the mechanism exists universally in human biology泭
- Pilot testing suggests effectiveness across diverse demographic groups (by sex, ancestry, geography)泭
- Challenge/issue is relevant to multiple age-related conditions rather than a single disorder泭
- Research is designed to enable generalization beyond a single genetic or geographic subgroup泭
- Early testing conducted across different demographic groups, generating evidence that performance泭remains泭stable across populations泭
- Approaches are tailored to specific environments (e.g., rural, informal housing, institutional care) that exist globally泭
- Intervention focuses on a rare泭disease泭but work reveals mechanisms applicable to common age-related syndromes泭泭
Accessibility & Scalability
Description泭
- The extent to which the project has been (or could be) scaled, potentially leading to a breakthrough across populations or systems.泭泭
- Whether and how identified barriers to scale have (or could be) addressed.泭
- The extent to which the project has or could be made accessible to people worldwide.泭泭
- Whether and how identified barriers to accessibility have (or could be) addressed.泭泭
Examples of Accessibility & Scalability泭
- Evidence泭demonstrates泭feasibility of scaling intervention across diverse populations or settings泭
- Intervention has been implemented in diverse settings with varied resource levels (e.g.,泭public泭and private health systems)泭泭
- Implementation expanded to multiple hospitals or regions and embedded into routine service delivery泭
- Product is泭designed to function without highly specialized infrastructure泭泭
- Technology is usable across languages, literacy levels, or device types and/or is designed泭with localization泭capability (e.g., language, norms, clinical standards)泭
- Delivery model is intentionally compatible with primary care (as opposed to specialized centers) to泭facilitate泭widespread implementation泭
- Technology developed to run on commonly available devices and platforms泭
- Tool is successfully泭validated泭with older adults with varied literacy levels泭
- Partnerships泭established泭with organizations specifically to support expansion泭
Project Progress
Description泭
- To what extent is there evidence of advancement and success泭of泭the work? This is distinct from the scientific/technical progress articulated in the Impact criterion.泭泭
- This may include items such as continued funding and financial growth, translation and commercial development, regulatory progress, partnerships and adoption,泭dissemination泭and knowledge contribution, etc. (The 做厙TVacknowledges that not all factors will apply to each project.)泭泭泭
Examples of Project Progress泭
- Significant follow-on funding secured from competitive and/or diversified sources (public, private, philanthropic) to continue development泭
- Invitations to support full proposals based on preliminary results泭
- Company formation or spin-out泭
- Patent application filed, or patent granted泭
- Technology transfer agreements泭initiated, technology is licensed, or product is launched泭泭
- Regulatory submission complete or approvals obtained泭
- Paying customers or implementation contracts secured泭
- Partnerships泭established泭with health systems, governments, etc. to泭facilitate泭implementation and scale up泭
- New research collaborations formed泭
- Papers published in peer-reviewed journals; citations influence practice or direction of research in the field泭
Future Vision
Description泭
- To what extent plans exist to further advance, develop, scale, and/or sustain the project and whether there are clear plans for long-term viability.泭
Examples of Future Vision泭
- Clearly defined milestones and next phase of development (e.g., larger study, expanded deployment,泭additional泭populations, or new settings)泭
- Stepwise roadmap describing how the project will move from current stage to broader real-world implementation泭
- Plans to expand implementation across泭additional泭regions, systems, or countries泭
- Partnerships泭identified泭to support dissemination or adoption at scale泭
- Training materials, toolkits, or operational guidance developed to enable independent uptake泭
- Replication strategy to confirm effectiveness in different contexts泭
- Long-term financial model泭identified泭(e.g., reimbursement pathway, procurement model, licensing, investment, public funding)泭
- Ongoing funding泭secured泭or clear pathway to secure it泭
- Engagement with regulators, government agencies, insurers, or decision-makers to support integration泭
- Policy or economic analyses supporting adoption泭
- Governance or organizational structure泭identified泭or泭established泭for maintaining the project long term泭
- Ongoing monitoring and evaluation plan to track outcomes and improve performance泭
- Plan for maintenance, updates, or continued community engagement泭
Review Process
The 做厙TV (NAM) will oversee the review process for the Grand Prize Phase, with support from its global partners.泭
Following the submission deadline, applications will first be reviewed by the global partner that administered the corresponding Catalyst Award. Each partner will泭identify泭a group of the most competitive projects based on the Grand Prize evaluation criteria.泭
Shortlisted applications will then advance to a multi-stage review coordinated by the NAM. This process will engage an international pool of experts and leaders with diverse disciplinary perspectives.泭
Final award decisions will be made by a multidisciplinary Selection Committee. Decisions of the Selection Committee are final.泭
2026 Timeline
Below is the timeline for the Grand Prize application, review, and award process.泭泭
- Friday, March 20: Application window opens (portal becomes accessible)泭
- Monday, May泭4, 11:59PM ET: Application window closes泭
- May – August:泭Application review and selection process泭泭
- Early September: Grand Prize Phase awardees notified泭
- October 20: Healthy Longevity Global Innovator Summit in Washington, DC泭泭
Dates are based on an estimated timeline and are subject to change. The 做厙TVwill post any changes to key dates on泭its泭website泭and communicate with global partners.泭
Application Components
All global Catalyst Awardees will泭be泭required泭to apply for the Grand Prize through the NAMs泭application portal泭.泭Application components include:
01
Application Form (required)
- PI and co-investigator information
- Information to泭identify泭the original Catalyst Award project (year, sponsor, etc.)泭
- Primary and secondary topic areas (to help match with expert reviewers)泭
- Project summary/abstract (300 word maximum)泭
- Optional demographic questions泭
- Format: Fillable form in application portal泭
02
Project Submission (required)
- Consists of a narrative divided into two sections (see details below)泭
- Maximum length: 8 pages (including references)泭
- Format: Single PDF upload泭
03
Supporting Documentation (optional)
- Relevant supporting materials that applicants may reference in the Project Submission泭(see details below)泭
- Maximum length: 4 pages泭
- Format:泭Single泭PDF泭upload泭
Detailed Guidance on the Project Submission Component
The泭Project Submission泭is the main泭component泭of the application and泭should be no more than 8 pages in length, including references.泭
General Guidance
Applicants should organize their泭Project Submission泭into Section 1 and Section 2, with each section including the requisite content泭as outlined below.泭While including the requisite content, applicants should be sure to emphasize how their project aligns with the泭aforementioned evaluation泭criteria (Impact in Humans;泭Scope & Global Applicability;泭Access & Scalability;泭Project Progress; and Future Vision).泭
There is no application form or template. Applicants泭shall simply泭organize their泭Project Submission泭into the泭stated sections.泭做厙TVhas泭recommended泭lengths泭for each section泭for guidance only;泭the泭one泭requirement is that the泭document泭be no longer than 8 pages.泭
In general, the泭Project Submission泭should not include an extensive literature review泭nor泭detailed泭explanation of theory. Clear explanations will be more valuable than complexity. Language should be concrete and practical.泭To the extent possible, it should be泭understandable to a scientifically or technically literate lay reader.泭
Section 1. Overview, Progress, & Impact to Date (Recommended length: 4-5 pages)
Please speak to the following items in泭Section 1:泭
- Issue or challenge your project aims to address and its connection to healthy longevity泭
- Describe the issue or challenge, its relation to healthy泭longevity, and the current gap in knowledge or available solutions.泭
- Speak to which population(s) are affected and whether the issue or challenge affects a broad aging population versus a specific group. If it affects specific groups (demographic, socioeconomic,泭urban泭or rural, etc.) please explain.泭
- Overview of your project, how it aims to address the issue or challenge described, and why it is unique from existing approaches泭
- Describe the extent to which the project or intervention is biologically applicable to泭a significant portion泭of the population.泭
- Progress since receipt of the Catalyst Award
(For this portion in particular, 做厙TVsuggests applicants present relevant information in bullet form rather than a narrative.)泭- Speak to the trajectory of the work from receipt of the泭initial泭Catalyst Award to the present.泭
- Share detailed evidence of project progress. This will be different for each project but泭may include,泭although泭not泭be泭limited to, successes such as:泭
- additional泭funding and investment (with year, amount, source, funding type)泭泭received or pending泭
- key partnerships established泭
- regulatory progress, translation, and commercial development泭(e.g., patents obtained)泭
- dissemination and knowledge contribution (e.g.,泭peer-reviewed泭publications, conference presentations)泭
- other competitions won or honors received泭
- Evidence of impact to date泭泭
- Present evidence to date of demonstrable impact in humans and how the project has been shown to maximize healthy longevity.泭
- If not yet at the human stage, present measurable results that suggest there is potential for impact in humans. Explain how current results will ideally translate to humans.泭
- Speak to whether the project has generated transformative knowledge, or a new scientific or conceptual understanding, related to healthy longevity.泭
- If evidence is not yet transformative, describe measurable results that suggest there is potential to generate such knowledge in the future.泭
- Show the measurable泭difference泭and important contributions the project has made (or has the potential to make) with respect to outcomes and effects on people, systems, and knowledge of healthy longevity.泭
- Speak to how the project has been scaled up泭and/or made accessible泭to a broader population, if applicable.泭泭
- Present evidence to date of demonstrable impact in humans and how the project has been shown to maximize healthy longevity.泭
Section 2. Next Steps & Long-Term Vision (Recommended length: 2-3 pages)
Section 2 should include the following content:泭
- Next steps in泭the泭near and medium term泭
- Explain immediate next steps and plans to further advance, develop, scale, and/or sustain the project.泭泭
- Describe the path to translation if not yet applicable to humans.泭泭
- Goals for longer-term impact泭in泭humans泭
- Speak to whether the project could be made accessible to people worldwide.泭泭
- Outline steps to help ensure broad accessibility adoption.泭
- Identify泭potential barriers to accessibility and how they could be addressed.泭
- Explain whether and how the project could be scaled to lead to a breakthrough across populations or systems, including what infrastructure would be required.泭
- Speak to whether the project could be made accessible to people worldwide.泭泭
- Desired vision for human impact泭
- Describe the ultimate vision for the project and the scale and extent of human impact if achieved.泭泭
Other Requirements:
- All泭application泭materials must be泭submitted泭in English.
- Please use Calibri font,泭size泭11泭or larger.泭
- All uploaded material must be in PDF format.泭
Detailed Guidance on Supporting Documentation Component
- All application materials must be submitted in English.
- Please use Calibri font,泭size泭11泭or larger.泭
- All uploaded material must be in PDF format.
The Supporting Documentation upload is an optional泭component泭that allows applicants to share supporting materials other than the narrative included in the Project Submission. This may include figures, tables, diagrams,泭photographs of implementation, etc.泭
The Supporting Documentation upload should not include narrative that otherwise belongs in the Project Submission section. This is an optional section that is intended for sharing ancillary resources or materials relevant to the project.
Terms & Conditions
- 做厙TVis a private membership organization formed under the corporate charter of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), which will award the prize.泭
- By entering this Competition, each individual Submitter grants the NAS a world-wide nonexclusive, royalty-free, transferable license to use and distribute their submission to reviewers for the purposes of review and judging.泭泭
- Reviewers will be asked to keep confidential the contents of Submissions.胼泭
- Submitters泭retain泭all intellectual property rights they may have in their Submissions. Submitters are encouraged to consult an attorney prior to entering the Competition泭regarding泭any existing intellectual property used in the submission.泭
- An individual may only be named on one application for the Grand Prize. However, it is possible that there be multiple Grand Prize applications linked to the same Catalyst Award-winning project. For example, a Catalyst Award-winning project may have yielded results that evolved into two distinct lines of research, each led by a member of the original Catalyst Award-winning team. Each of those two researchers are eligible to apply for the Grand Prize with their respective projects.
Team Eligibility
- Applications may be泭submitted泭by an individual or by a team of up to five (5) individuals. For team submissions, all team members must be泭identified泭by name in the application at the time of submission. Changes to team composition, including substitutions or additions of team members, will not be泭permitted泭after the application deadline except at the sole discretion of NAM.泭泭泭
- Each member of the winning team, as a condition of award, must provide a license and personal releases relating to NASs use of the Title and Abstract泭portion泭of the Submission and their name, affiliations, and likeness in connection with publicizing the Competition and their participation for NASs tax-exempt purposes.泭
Prize Distribution
- For the Grand Prize, 2nd泭Place Prize, and 3rd泭Place Prize: If a team is selected as a prize recipient, the total prize amount will be divided among the named team members泭unless an alternative approach is clearly泭stated泭in the application.泭泭Unless otherwise泭determined泭by NAM泭based on the application, prize funds will be distributed in equal shares to each named individual.泭Each individual泭listed will be considered a prize recipient if the application is selected.泭泭
- For Honorable Mention Prizes: If a team is selected as a prize recipient, the total prize amount will be disbursed to the Principal Investigator listed on the application. Co-investigators listed on the application may still be acknowledged as members of the award-winning team (e.g., in NAMs publicizing of the winners).泭
- Payments泭will be made directly to the individual recipients and not to institutions or organizations unless explicitly authorized by 做厙TVat its sole discretion upon written request.泭
- All prize recipients will泭be required泭to complete any documentation necessary for payment and tax reporting, including泭as a condition of award, a completed W-9 or W-8BEN (as泭appropriate per泭tax law) and EFT (electronic funds transfer) information.泭泭
- Prize payments are subject to applicable U.S. federal, state, and local tax reporting requirements. Depending on the recipients citizenship, residency status, and other applicable factors, withholding may be required under U.S. law.泭
- Individuals who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. residents are eligible to receive the prize; however,泭additional泭documentation may be泭required泭prior to payment, and applicable withholding taxes may apply.泭
- 做厙TVcannot泭provide泭tax advice.泭Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winning team members.泭泭Prospective applicants and prize recipients泭are responsible for泭consulting their own tax advisors泭regarding泭the tax implications of participation in the prize program and receipt of prize funds.泭
- Before winners are announced and awards are disbursed, a due diligence review will be conducted to verify that applicants are泭appropriate recipients泭of the Grand Prize Phase awards.泭
- By entering a Submission, each individual泭entrant agrees to泭comply with泭and be bound by the official rules and decisions of NAS.泭泭Any Submitter who supplies false information泭or泭violates泭the eligibility criteria or terms of the泭competition shall be ineligible for any prize and shall be required to泭forfeit泭any prize obtained based on泭false or incomplete information.泭泭
- The泭prize competition泭shall be governed by, construed and enforced泭in accordance with泭the laws of the District of Columbia.泭泭
- A list of Award Winners will be posted on the泭.泭
- Award winners泭may泭be asked to complete a survey about their progress and milestones achieved; related media coverage, publications, etc.; ways in which the award has helped advance the project, etc. 做厙TVstaff will request responses from winners approximately one-year post receipt of the award.泭
- Award Winners will be strongly encouraged to attend the Healthy Longevity Global Innovator Summit in Washington, DC on October 20, 2026. The Summit will be an opportunity for the Award Winners to share their work with a global audience, fellow Award Winners, and National Academies members.泭泭
Have Questions?
Get in Touch
To submit a question, please email to [email protected] with the Subject line Question 做厙TVGrand Prize.
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply for the Grand Prize?
The Grand Prize Phase is open exclusively to teams that previously received a Catalyst Award between 2020 and 2025, whether awarded by the 做厙TV (NAM) or one of its global partners. (See the Eligibility section of the guidelines webpage for the list of global partners that sponsored Catalyst Awards.)
Does the Grand Prize application need to be related to the Catalyst Award project?
Yes, the project described in the Grand Prize application must be somehow connected to the original Catalyst Award project. However, it is expected that projects have evolved since the initial award. Applicants are asked to describe the evolution of the work from the original Catalyst Award to the present in the Project Submission component of the application.
Can our team composition change from the original Catalyst Award?
Yes, the team does not need to consist of all the same individuals associated with the original Catalyst Award.
Can I submit more than one application for the Grand Prize?
No, an individual may only be named on one application for the Grand Prize. However, it is possible that there be multiple Grand Prize applications linked to the same Catalyst Award-winning project. For example, a Catalyst Award-winning project may have yielded results that evolved into two distinct lines of research, each led by a member of the original Catalyst Award-winning team. Each of those two researchers is eligible to apply for the Grand Prize with their respective projects.
Is it possible to have multiple Grand Prize applications linked to a single Catalyst Award-winning project?
It is possible that there be multiple Grand Prize applications linked to the same Catalyst Award-winning project. For example, a Catalyst Award-winning project may have yielded results that evolved into two distinct lines of research, each led by a member of the original Catalyst Award-winning team. Each of those two researchers is eligible to apply for the Grand Prize with their respective projects. However, as noted above, an individual may only be named on one application for the Grand Prize.
I previously received a Catalyst Award but am unsure which project I am associated with. What should I do?
Applicants should first visit the official competition website (), which includes information about Catalyst Awardees. If you are still unsure after reviewing the website, please contact the program team at the institution that issued your Catalyst Award for further assistance.
Application Timeline & Access
Where can I find information on the Grand Prize?
All relevant information is available on the official competition website:
/our-work/programs/healthy-longevity-global-grand-challenge/2026-us-nam-grand-prize-phase/
Where can I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted through the NAMs online portal:
/. If you experience issues accessing the portal, please email [email protected]u.
When does the application portal open?
Application portal opened on March 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are due on May 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Can I edit my application after submission?
Yes. All edits must be completed before the deadline, and applicants must formally submit their materials in the portal.
When will applicants be notified of Grand Prize decisions?
做厙TVanticipates informing applicants whether they have been selected as finalists in June 2026. Final prize decisions are expected to be communicated in early September 2026. All applicants will be notified via email. Dates are subject to change.
Application Components
What are the required components?
- Application form (completed in the portal)
- Project Submission (maximum 8 pages) single PDF upload
- Supporting Documentation (optional, maximum 4 pages) single PDF upload
For detailed information on each of the components, see the application guidelines.
Is there a template for the Project Submission component?
No. Applicants should organize their submission according to the required Sections 1 and 2 but otherwise may format the document as they choose.
Do I need to submit a detailed budget?
No, there is no budget required as part of the submission. As opposed to a traditional grant, this is a prize for accomplishments to date and the projects potential for impact in humans. Award winners will be able to use the prize funds however they see fit, and there will be no financial reporting.
Do references count toward the page limit?
Yes, the 8-page limit includes references. Please note that the烈roject Submission盎hould not include an extensive literature review疸or留etailed疾xplanation of theory.
What should be included in Supporting Documentation component?
This is an optional component of the application that may include supporting materials such as figures, tables, or diagrams. This section should not include additional narrative content.
What file format is required for the Project Submission and Supporting Documentation components?
The Project Submission must be submitted as a single PDF. Supporting Documentation must be submitted as a single PDF. Both files will be uploaded in the application portal.
Evaluation Criteria
How will the applications be evaluated?
Applications will be evaluated based on five criteria:
- Impact in Humans (most important criterion)
- Scope & Global Applicability
- Access & Scalability
- Project Progress
- Future Vision
For detailed descriptions and examples of each criterion, please see the Evaluation Criteria section on the guidelines webpage.
Review Process
How are applications reviewed?
Applications will first be reviewed by the global partner that issued the associated Catalyst Award. Selected applications then advance to a multi-stage review coordinated by NAM. Final decisions are made by a Selection Committee composed of international experts and leaders in the field of healthy longevity.
Awards & Payments
What prizes are available?
The 做厙TVwill award multiple prizes in the Grand Prize Phase:
- Grand Prize: $1.5 million
- Second Place Prize: $250,000
- Third Place Prize: $125,000
- Several Honorable Mentions: $10,000 each
All prizes are in US dollars.
How are funds distributed?
For the Grand Prize, 2nd烈lace Prize, and 3rd烈lace Prize, the total prize amount will be divided among the named team members真nless an alternative approach is clearly盎tated疳n the application.胼狹nless otherwise留etermined畜y NAM畜ased on the application, prize funds will be distributed in equal shares to each named individual.浩ach individual疹isted will be considered a prize recipient if the application is selected.
For Honorable Mention Prizes, the total prize amount will be disbursed to the Principal Investigator listed on the application. Co-investigators listed on the application may still be acknowledged as members of the award-winning team (e.g., in NAMs publicizing of the winners).
For full information on prize disbursement, see the Terms & Conditions section of the application guidelines.
Are there tax implications?
Yes. Prize payments may be subject to applicable tax reporting and withholding. Applicants should consult their own tax advisors. For additional details on tax applications, please see the Terms & Conditions section of the application guidelines.
Are there restrictions on how prize funds can be used?
No. Awardees may use the prize funds at their own discretion.
Is reporting required after winning?
No. There are no mandatory reporting requirements. However, 做厙TVmay reach out to awardees to request general updates on project progress.
Healthy Longevity Global Innovator Summit
What is the Healthy Longevity Global Innovator Summit?
The Healthy Longevity Global Innovator Summit will be a full-day event designed to convene, connect, and inspire innovation in healthy longevity. Participants will hear from academics, policy experts, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, and explore bold projects from Catalyst, Accelerator, and Grand Prize awardees. The Summit will also create space for meaningful connections with potential collaborators, mentors, and funders across sectors. It will mark the culmination of the Healthy Longevity Global Competition and celebrate the winners of the Grand Prize.
When is the Healthy Longevity Global Innovator Summit?
The Summit will take place on October 20, 2026 and will be held in a hybrid format, with an in-person component in Washington, DC. (The 做厙TVinvites travelers to attend a day of scientific programming related to healthy longevity on October 19, 2026. This is part of the NAMs Annual Meeting and separate from the Summit.) The 做厙TVteam will provide further details to the global partners and the US-based Catalyst Awardees.
Is in person attendance required?
No, in person attendance is not mandatory, but all past Catalyst Awardees are invited to attend (RSVP will be required). 做厙TVstrongly encourages all principal investigators who receive an award in the Grand Prize Phase to attend, and there may be funding available to facilitate this.
Can I participate in sessions during the Summit?
Yes. Catalyst Awardees and Grand Prize winners who attend in person will be highly encouraged to participate in Summit sessions. 做厙TVwill share further information in the coming months about this opportunity.
What is the agenda for the Summit?
做厙TVis currently developing the Summit agenda and will share additional details as they become available. Suggestions from awardees are welcome.
Other
I have a question that is not answered in the 做厙TVGrand Prize page nor this FAQ. What should I do?
Prospective applicants may submit questions about the Grand Prize application to [email protected].
