The US National Institute on Aging has launched a start-up challenge and accelerator to stimulate aging innovation. The institute is specifically seeking ideas from early-stage entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds and ideas for technologies to improve healthy aging.

The accelerator program will share resources that address common needs and barriers faced by individuals seeking to develop science-driven aging innovations and for whom the NIA small business program can be especially helpful in providing support for early-stage research, development, and commercialization activities.

Resources for selected participants include entrepreneurial training, access to key industry networks, grant application skill-building, peer-to-peer networking, and individually tailored mentorship from experts in diverse areas of life science entrepreneurship, each of which have been identified as critical areas of need for early-stage research entrepreneurs.

The challenge launched in September and submissions close on December 9. It includes various stages and offers cash prizes. A webinar for prospective submitters will be held on October 31 at noon Eastern time.

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