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Pediatric Medical Countermeasures Summit Prize Competition 2026

Up to $50,000 in non-dilutive prize funding for innovative pediatric health security solutions

Request for submissions

SPARK Pediatric Medical Countermeasures Summit Prize Competition 2026

Background

The mission of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is to prepare for and respond to health security threats including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. 

For guidance on current BARDA priorities, please refer to PHEMCE’s high-priority threat list. 

Medical countermeasures (MCMs) are a class of technologies and products that counter such health security threats and include vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health tools, and enabling technologies. 

SPARK for Innovations in Pediatrics, a BARDA Accelerator Network Hub, supports technologies and products that improve the development, evaluation, validation, availability, or delivery of medical countermeasures for pediatric populations across BARDA-relevant threat areas.

Opportunity

Are you developing a breakthrough technology that can help the smallest of patients? The SPARK Hub is looking for innovative ideas to protect pediatric populations from health security threats. Join this prize competition and share your solutions!

This prize competition invites solutions in the following areas:

  • Diagnostics, medical devices, digital tools, therapeutics, and vaccines to address BARDA mission-relevant health security threats in pediatric populations
  • Enabling technologies that facilitate evidence generation for the expansion of pediatric labeling of a specified BARDA mission-relevant medical countermeasure (MCM). Some examples of such technologies include, but are not limited to:
  • Pediatric digital twins to predict the safety and efficacy of therapeutics and vaccines
  • Microphysiological systems, including organoids, assembloids, and organ-on-a-chip platforms, that can simulate pediatric systems to better evaluate therapeutic candidates
  • PK/PD models for pediatric dose optimization
  • Simulation platforms for trial design and pediatric response forecasting

Note: This opportunity does not support gain-of-function research or research involving pathogen manipulation that could result in increased pathogenicity or transmissibility. Submissions will be evaluated for appropriate and responsible use of biological materials.

Selection & Awards

A select group of applicants will be invited to pitch their solutions to an audience of pediatricians, MCM developers, and key government and industry stakeholders at the SPARK Pediatric Medical Countermeasures Summit* in Washington, DC, on September 22, 2026.

A total of $50,000 in non-dilutive prize funding will be awarded, with up to three winners selected. Non-local finalists may receive a fixed travel stipend.

 

Key Dates

To Be AnnouncedInformational Webinar
July 22, 2026Solicitation closes
August 22, 2026Finalists notified
September 22, 2026Finalists pitch at SPARK Pediatric Medical Countermeasures Summit in Washington DC*

*Further details of the SPARK Pediatric Medical Countermeasures Summit 2026, including the full agenda and registration information, will be shared in the coming months. If you are interested in attending and would like to be notified once registration becomes available, please complete this interest form.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the funding opportunity open to non-U.S. entities?

This opportunity is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. entities that meet the eligibility criteria and contracting requirements, and remains subject to change in accordance with the terms and conditions in effect at the time of award notice.

Yes. Applicants may apply to multiple solicitations, provided each submission meets the specific criteria and scope.
Yes. Current portfolio participants are encouraged to apply, as long as proposed projects are distinct and aligned with solicitation requirements.

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

  • Alignment with BARDA’s mission
  • Relevance to Pediatric Populations
  • Innovation and Differentiation
  • Technical Expertise
  • Regulatory Knowledge and Readiness

For additional inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Apply Now

We are using CoLab as our application portal. If you are new to CoLab and experience any issues creating an account, please reach out to us at [email protected].