National Institute on Drug Abuse logo
National Institute on Drug Abuse

One-Step, Rapid, Low-Cost Definitive Drug Testing at the Point of Need Challenge

Pays up to $600,000 in prizes to teams building rapid, low-cost drug-testing device prototypes.

OpenNational Institute on Drug AbuseUnited StatesApplicants in Indiana

Phase 1 asks Solvers for a registration form, a written report of up to 10 pages with data demonstrating a working prototype, and a 5-minute unlisted YouTube video of the device in operation; concept- or idea-stage submissions are not considered responsive. A judging panel of HHS and National Institute of Standards and Technology scientists, advised by outside subject-matter experts, scores each P

Looks for device prototypes able to identify and measure levels of at least ten distinct drugs of abuse -- fentanyl among them -- by reading the compounds' own physical properties instead of relying on antibody-style reactions. The device must deliver results in under 15 minutes, cost a fraction of current lab equipment, and work across sample types like blood, urine, saliva or sweat.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.15 Dec 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.10 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$600K

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