Data & AI Fueling R&D of Tomorrow QuickFire Challenge: Singapore & Beyond
Supports data and AI researchers developing foundation-model-based drug discovery and multi-omics analysis through the Singapore-focused QuickFire challenge.
Eligibility · United States, Singapore
⚠This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.
Johnson & Johnson Innovation co-launched the Data & AI Fueling R&D of Tomorrow QuickFire Challenge: Singapore & Beyond with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) in November 2025. The program invited global innovators to submit novel AI and machine learning strategies for drug discovery and pharmaceutical R&D, with a stated preference for applicants demonstrating interest in the Singapore innovation ecosystem. The total prize pool reached up to $400,000 — among the larger pools in the J&J QuickFire portfolio — distributed across multiple awardees. Select recipients also received JLABS Singapore membership alongside their cash award. Johnson & Johnson retains no intellectual property as part of the award.
The four areas of focus were: foundation models and multi-omics capabilities for novel biology; virtual disease models and validation platforms for complex biological mechanisms; computer vision and digital health tools for precision medicine; and generative AI and agentic frameworks for R&D productivity. Out-of-scope categories included life science tools, equipment, reagents, medical devices, contract research organizations, and direct patient or physician-facing applications such as IoT sensors or chatbots. Applications were accepted at all stages from ideation through commercial launch. Worldwide applicants were eligible provided they could articulate a connection to the Singapore innovation ecosystem.
The application window ran from November 20, 2025 through February 20, 2026 and is now closed. Awardees were scheduled for announcement in Spring 2026. This challenge followed the pattern of J&J's regional themed QuickFire tracks, which have included Singapore, Korea, and Japan editions. Organizations interested in the next Singapore-themed or broader AI-in-drug-discovery challenge should monitor J&J Innovation's challenge portal at jnjinnovation.com/innovation-challenges.
AI-driven drug discovery and pharmaceutical R&D using foundation models, multi-omics analysis, and generative AI, with preference for applicants connected to the Singapore innovation ecosystem.
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