2026 US 探花app Grand Prize Phase
In 2026, the National Academy of Medicine (探花app) will mark the culmination of its听Healthy Longevity Global Competition听by issuing a $1.5 million USD Grand Prize and several smaller awards for projects with the greatest impact鈥攐r potential for impact鈥攐n healthy longevity in humans. The Grand Prize Phase is open exclusively to the 720 global recipients of Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards, issued between 2020听and听2025 during an earlier phase of the Healthy Longevity Global Competition.听听
Background
Founded by the 探花app in 2019, the听听helped jumpstart a worldwide movement to extend the human听healthspan听by accelerating research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in healthy longevity.听听
In the听Catalyst Phase, the听探花app听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 探花app and its partners issued 鈥攖otaling more than $36 million USD鈥攖o 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.听
In the听Accelerator Phase听of the Global Competition,听13听global Catalyst Awardees received support from Johnson & Johnson Innovation in听听and听听to听continue on听their innovation journey.听Specifically, JJI ran two cycles of its Healthy Longevity听QuickFire听Challenge and issued approximately $2.5 million USD in grants plus mentorship opportunities to this select group of global innovators.听
In 2026, the Global Competition will conclude with the听Grand Prize Phase, administered by the 探花app with support from its global partners. 探花app is a private membership organization formed under the corporate charter of the 探花app (NAS), which will award the prizes.
Overview
The 探花app will issue one Grand Prize of $1.5 million USD for the project with the greatest impact鈥攐r potential for impact鈥攐n healthy longevity in humans. The 探花app will also award one 2nd听place prize of听$250,000 USD; one 3rd听place prize of听$125,000 USD; and听several honorable mention prizes of $10,000 USD.听
The 探花app defines healthy longevity as the state in which years in good health approach the biological life span, with physical, cognitive, and social functioning鈥攅nabling well-being across populations. For the Grand Prize Phase, the 探花app is seeking projects that have听demonstrated听(or have听demonstrated听the potential to do) the following:听
- Create transformative knowledge to enable everyone everywhere to live with health into the oldest ages听
- Transform current knowledge and ability to create healthy longevity听
- Bring about a true sense of paradigmatic change in science, opening new frontiers in the way we think about and drive research听
- Be a basic building block of intervention and solutions for creating healthy longevity for everyone听
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听and听2025 from the 探花app or one of its global partners. Global partners that administered Catalyst Awards as part of the Healthy Longevity Global Competition include (in alphabetical order):听听
- Academia Sinica听
- Agency for Medical Research and Development of Japan听
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences听
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong & the University of Hong Kong听
- EIT Health听
- Ministry of Health/National Research Foundation of Singapore听
- National Academy of Medicine of the United States听
- National Agency for Research and Development of Chile听
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health of the United States听
- Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China听
- UK Research and Innovation听
For the Grand Prize Phase, the 探花app seeks projects that have advanced following receipt of the original Catalyst听Award.听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 探花app acknowledges 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听in the evaluation of applications for the Grand Prize.听听
Evaluation Criteria
The听following听criteria will be used to evaluate submissions for the Grand Prize.听
- Impact听in听Humans听
- Scope & Global Applicability听
- Access & Scalability听
- Project Progress听
- Future Vision听
The following section provides听a description of听each criterion听along with examples of听possible evidence.听The examples are included solely for illustrative purposes and are not exhaustive. The 探花app recognizes that projects span multiple disciplines, target different populations, and exist at varied stages of maturity. No single example will be relevant to all applicants.听
Detailed description of each criterion with examples:听
Impact in Humans **most important criterion**
Description听
- The extent to which the project has had a demonstrable impact on healthy longevity in humans.听
- If not yet at the human stage, the extent to which the project has听demonstrated听strong potential for such impact once further developed.听
- 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.听
- 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.听
Examples of Impact听in听Humans听
- Progress in the conduct of clinical studies 鈥 anywhere from proof of concept to clinical trial 鈥 showing results such as improvements in physical, cognitive, or social functioning, or reductions in loneliness, fall risk, or chronic disease burden听
- Regulatory progress toward testing in humans听
- Adoption of the intervention into clinical practice or health system protocols听
- Technology deployed in real-world settings after听demonstrating听improvements in patient outcomes or care delivery听
- Adoption of policies that improve access to preventative care听
- Development of policy frameworks supported by strong implementation data听
- Early adoption of regulatory or financing models that enable broader access to healthy longevity interventions听
- Pilot program yields strong participation, behavior change, or improved well-being outcomes in older adults听
Scope & Global Applicability
Description听
- The extent to which the project aims to address a challenge/issue that affects听a significant portion听of the population, or a widespread issue听encountered听by people as they age.听
- The extent to which the project or intervention is biologically applicable to听a significant portion听of the population.听听
Examples of Scope & Global Applicability听
- Intervention targets a prevalent condition associated with aging (e.g., frailty, mobility decline, dementia risk, social isolation)听
- Research yields preclinical or early human evidence suggesting the mechanism exists universally in human biology听
- Pilot testing suggests effectiveness across diverse demographic groups (by sex, ancestry, geography)听
- Challenge/issue is relevant to multiple age-related conditions rather than a single disorder听
- Research is designed to enable generalization beyond a single genetic or geographic subgroup听
- Early testing conducted across different demographic groups, generating evidence that performance听remains听stable across populations听
- Approaches are tailored to specific environments (e.g., rural, informal housing, institutional care) that exist globally听
- Intervention focuses on a rare听disease听but work reveals mechanisms applicable to common age-related syndromes听听
Accessibility & Scalability
Description听
- The extent to which the project has been (or could be) scaled, potentially leading to a breakthrough across populations or systems.听听
- Whether and how identified barriers to scale have (or could be) addressed.听
- The extent to which the project has or could be made accessible to people worldwide.听听
- Whether and how identified barriers to accessibility have (or could be) addressed.听听
Examples of Accessibility & Scalability听
- Evidence听demonstrates听feasibility of scaling intervention across diverse populations or settings听
- Intervention has been implemented in diverse settings with varied resource levels (e.g.,听public听and private health systems)听听
- Implementation expanded to multiple hospitals or regions and embedded into routine service delivery听
- Product is听designed to function without highly specialized infrastructure听听
- Technology is usable across languages, literacy levels, or device types and/or is designed听with localization听capability (e.g., language, norms, clinical standards)听
- Delivery model is intentionally compatible with primary care (as opposed to specialized centers) to听facilitate听widespread implementation听
- Technology developed to run on commonly available devices and platforms听
- Tool is successfully听validated听with older adults with varied literacy levels听
- Partnerships听established听with organizations specifically to support expansion听
Project Progress
Description听
- To what extent is there evidence of advancement and success听of听the work? This is distinct from the scientific/technical progress articulated in the Impact criterion.听听
- This may include items such as continued funding and financial growth, translation and commercial development, regulatory progress, partnerships and adoption,听dissemination听and knowledge contribution, etc. (The 探花app acknowledges that not all factors will apply to each project.)听听听
Examples of Project Progress听
- Significant follow-on funding secured from competitive and/or diversified sources (public, private, philanthropic) to continue development听
- Invitations to support full proposals based on preliminary results听
- Company formation or spin-out听
- Patent application filed, or patent granted听
- Technology transfer agreements听initiated, technology is licensed, or product is launched听听
- Regulatory submission complete or approvals obtained听
- Paying customers or implementation contracts secured听
- Partnerships听established听with health systems, governments, etc. to听facilitate听implementation and scale up听
- New research collaborations formed听
- Papers published in peer-reviewed journals; citations influence practice or direction of research in the field听
Future Vision
Description听
- 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.听
Examples of Future Vision听
- Clearly defined milestones and next phase of development (e.g., larger study, expanded deployment,听additional听populations, or new settings)听
- Stepwise roadmap describing how the project will move from current stage to broader real-world implementation听
- Plans to expand implementation across听additional听regions, systems, or countries听
- Partnerships听identified听to support dissemination or adoption at scale听
- Training materials, toolkits, or operational guidance developed to enable independent uptake听
- Replication strategy to confirm effectiveness in different contexts听
- Long-term financial model听identified听(e.g., reimbursement pathway, procurement model, licensing, investment, public funding)听
- Ongoing funding听secured听or clear pathway to secure it听
- Engagement with regulators, government agencies, insurers, or decision-makers to support integration听
- Policy or economic analyses supporting adoption听
- Governance or organizational structure听identified听or听established听for maintaining the project long term听
- Ongoing monitoring and evaluation plan to track outcomes and improve performance听
- Plan for maintenance, updates, or continued community engagement听
Review Process
The National Academy of Medicine (探花app) will oversee the review process for the Grand Prize Phase, with support from its global partners.听
Following the submission deadline, applications will first be reviewed by the global partner that administered the corresponding Catalyst Award. Each partner will听identify听a group of the most competitive projects based on the Grand Prize evaluation criteria.听
Shortlisted applications will then advance to a multi-stage review coordinated by the 探花app. This process will engage an international pool of experts and leaders with diverse disciplinary perspectives.听
Final award decisions will be made by a multidisciplinary Selection Committee. Decisions of the Selection Committee are final.听
2026 Timeline
Below is the timeline for the Grand Prize application, review, and award process.听听
- Friday, March 20: Application window opens (portal becomes accessible)听
- Monday, May听4, 11:59PM ET: Application window closes听
- May – August:听Application review and selection process听听
- Early September: Grand Prize Phase awardees notified听
- October 20: Healthy Longevity Global Innovator Summit in Washington, DC听听
Dates are based on an estimated timeline and are subject to change. The 探花app will post any changes to key dates on听its听website听and communicate with global partners.听
Application Components
All global Catalyst Awardees will听be听required听to apply for the Grand Prize through the 探花app鈥檚听application portal听.听Application components include:
01
Application Form (required)
- PI and co-investigator information
- Information to听identify听the original Catalyst Award project (year, sponsor, etc.)听
- Primary and secondary topic areas (to help match with expert reviewers)听
- Project summary/abstract (300 word maximum)听
- Optional demographic questions听
- Format: Fillable form in application portal听
02
Project Submission (required)
- Consists of a narrative divided into two sections (see details below)听
- Maximum length: 8 pages (including references)听
- Format: Single PDF upload听
03
Supporting Documentation (optional)
- Relevant supporting materials that applicants may reference in the Project Submission听(see details below)听
- Maximum length: 4 pages听
- Format:听Single听PDF听upload听
Detailed Guidance on the Project Submission Component
The听Project Submission听is the main听component听of the application and听should be no more than 8 pages in length, including references.听
General Guidance
Applicants should organize their听Project Submission听into Section 1 and Section 2, with each section including the requisite content听as outlined below.听While including the requisite content, applicants should be sure to emphasize how their project aligns with the听aforementioned evaluation听criteria (Impact in Humans;听Scope & Global Applicability;听Access & Scalability;听Project Progress; and Future Vision).听
There is no application form or template. Applicants听shall simply听organize their听Project Submission听into the听stated sections.听探花app has听recommended听lengths听for each section听for guidance only;听the听one听requirement is that the听document听be no longer than 8 pages.听
In general, the听Project Submission听should not include an extensive literature review听nor听detailed听explanation of theory. Clear explanations will be more valuable than complexity. Language should be concrete and practical.听To the extent possible, it should be听understandable to a scientifically or technically literate lay reader.听
Section 1. Overview, Progress, & Impact to Date (Recommended length: 4-5 pages)
Please speak to the following items in听Section 1:听
- Issue or challenge your project aims to address and its connection to healthy longevity听
- Describe the issue or challenge, its relation to healthy听longevity, and the current gap in knowledge or available solutions.听
- 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,听urban听or rural, etc.) please explain.听
- Overview of your project, how it aims to address the issue or challenge described, and why it is unique from existing approaches听
- Describe the extent to which the project or intervention is biologically applicable to听a significant portion听of the population.听
- Progress since receipt of the Catalyst Award
(For this portion in particular, 探花app suggests applicants present relevant information in bullet form rather than a narrative.)听- Speak to the trajectory of the work from receipt of the听initial听Catalyst Award to the present.听
- Share detailed evidence of project progress. This will be different for each project but听may include,听although听not听be听limited to, successes such as:听
- additional听funding and investment (with year, amount, source, funding type)听鈥撎齬eceived or pending听
- key partnerships established听
- regulatory progress, translation, and commercial development听(e.g., patents obtained)听
- dissemination and knowledge contribution (e.g.,听peer-reviewed听publications, conference presentations)听
- other competitions won or honors received听
- Evidence of impact to date听听
- Present evidence to date of demonstrable impact in humans and how the project has been shown to maximize healthy longevity.听
- 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.听
- Speak to whether the project has generated transformative knowledge, or a new scientific or conceptual understanding, related to healthy longevity.听
- If evidence is not yet transformative, describe measurable results that suggest there is potential to generate such knowledge in the future.听
- Show the measurable听difference听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.听
- Speak to how the project has been scaled up听and/or made accessible听to a broader population, if applicable.听听
- Present evidence to date of demonstrable impact in humans and how the project has been shown to maximize healthy longevity.听
Section 2. Next Steps & Long-Term Vision (Recommended length: 2-3 pages)
Section 2 should include the following content:听
- Next steps in听the听near and medium term听
- Explain immediate next steps and plans to further advance, develop, scale, and/or sustain the project.听听
- Describe the path to translation if not yet applicable to humans.听听
- Goals for longer-term impact听in听humans听
- Speak to whether the project could be made accessible to people worldwide.听听
- Outline steps to help ensure broad accessibility adoption.听
- Identify听potential barriers to accessibility and how they could be addressed.听
- Explain whether and how the project could be scaled to lead to a breakthrough across populations or systems, including what infrastructure would be required.听
- Speak to whether the project could be made accessible to people worldwide.听听
- Desired vision for human impact听
- Describe the ultimate vision for the project and the scale and extent of human impact if achieved.听听
Other Requirements:
- All听application听materials must be听submitted听in English.
- Please use Calibri font,听size听11听or larger.听
- All uploaded material must be in PDF format.听
Detailed Guidance on Supporting Documentation Component
- All application materials must be submitted in English.
- Please use Calibri font,听size听11听or larger.听
- All uploaded material must be in PDF format.
The Supporting Documentation upload is an optional听component听that allows applicants to share supporting materials other than the narrative included in the Project Submission. This may include figures, tables, diagrams,听photographs of implementation, etc.听
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
- 探花app is a private membership organization formed under the corporate charter of the 探花app (NAS), which will award the prize.听
- 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.听听
- Reviewers will be asked to keep confidential the contents of Submissions.鈥听
- Submitters听retain听all intellectual property rights they may have in their Submissions. Submitters are encouraged to consult an attorney prior to entering the Competition听regarding听any existing intellectual property used in the submission.听
- 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听submitted听by an individual or by a team of up to five (5) individuals. For team submissions, all team members must be听identified听by name in the application at the time of submission. Changes to team composition, including substitutions or additions of team members, will not be听permitted听after the application deadline except at the sole discretion of 探花app.听听听
- Each member of the winning team, as a condition of award, must provide a license and personal releases relating to NAS鈥檚 use of the Title and Abstract听portion听of the Submission and their name, affiliations, and likeness in connection with publicizing the Competition and their participation for NAS鈥檚 tax-exempt purposes.听
Prize Distribution
- For the Grand Prize, 2nd听Place Prize, and 3rd听Place Prize: If a team is selected as a prize recipient, the total prize amount will be divided among the named team members听unless an alternative approach is clearly听stated听in the application.听听Unless otherwise听determined听by 探花app听based on the application, prize funds will be distributed in equal shares to each named individual.听Each individual听listed will be considered a prize recipient if the application is selected.听听
- 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 探花app鈥檚 publicizing of the winners).听
- Payments听will be made directly to the individual recipients and not to institutions or organizations unless explicitly authorized by 探花app at its sole discretion upon written request.听
- All prize recipients will听be required听to complete any documentation necessary for payment and tax reporting, including听as a condition of award, a completed W-9 or W-8BEN (as听appropriate per听tax law) and EFT (electronic funds transfer) information.听听
- Prize payments are subject to applicable U.S. federal, state, and local tax reporting requirements. Depending on the recipient鈥檚 citizenship, residency status, and other applicable factors, withholding may be required under U.S. law.听
- Individuals who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. residents are eligible to receive the prize; however,听additional听documentation may be听required听prior to payment, and applicable withholding taxes may apply.听
- 探花app cannot听provide听tax advice.听Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winning team members.听听Prospective applicants and prize recipients听are responsible for听consulting their own tax advisors听regarding听the tax implications of participation in the prize program and receipt of prize funds.听
- Before winners are announced and awards are disbursed, a due diligence review will be conducted to verify that applicants are听appropriate recipients听of the Grand Prize Phase awards.听
- By entering a Submission, each individual听entrant agrees to听comply with听and be bound by the official rules and decisions of NAS.听听Any Submitter who supplies false information听or听violates听the eligibility criteria or terms of the听competition shall be ineligible for any prize and shall be required to听forfeit听any prize obtained based on听false or incomplete information.听听
- The听prize competition听shall be governed by, construed and enforced听in accordance with听the laws of the District of Columbia.听听
- A list of Award Winners will be posted on the听.听
- Award winners听may听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. 探花app staff will request responses from winners approximately one-year post receipt of the award.听
- 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.听听
Have Questions?
Get in Touch
To submit a question, please email to [email protected] with the Subject line 鈥淨uestion 鈥 探花app Grand Prize鈥.
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 National Academy of Medicine (探花app) 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 探花app鈥檚 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?
探花app anticipates 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) 鈥 single PDF upload
- Supporting Documentation (optional, maximum 4 pages) 鈥 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 project鈥檚 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鈥疨roject Submission鈥痵hould not include an extensive literature review鈥痭or鈥痙etailed鈥痚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 探花app. 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 探花app will 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鈥疨lace Prize, and 3rd鈥疨lace Prize, the total prize amount will be divided among the named team members鈥痷nless an alternative approach is clearly鈥痵tated鈥痠n the application.鈥疷nless otherwise鈥痙etermined鈥痓y 探花app鈥痓ased on the application, prize funds will be distributed in equal shares to each named individual.鈥疎ach individual鈥痩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 探花app鈥檚 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, 探花app may 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 探花app invites travelers to attend a day of scientific programming related to healthy longevity on October 19, 2026. This is part of the 探花app鈥檚 Annual Meeting and separate from the Summit.) The 探花app team 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). 探花app strongly 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. 探花app will share further information in the coming months about this opportunity.
What is the agenda for the Summit?
探花app is 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 探花app Grand Prize page nor this FAQ. What should I do?
Prospective applicants may submit questions about the Grand Prize application to [email protected].
