The ReadyDetect: Next-Generation Diagnostics Competition is a $10 million global challenge designed to push the boundaries of diagnostic testing. Organized by University Lab Partners (ULP) through its I-CREATE initiative and in collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the competition invites scientists, developers, and innovators to create high-performance, low-cost antigen tests that can be used at home, in pharmacies, clinics, or even in remote settings. These new tools are expected to target key threats listed by the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE), helping to improve preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.
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This two-part competition seeks groundbreaking ideas and practical solutions to a long-standing problem in global health: the lack of accessible, accurate, and affordable diagnostic tools outside of traditional laboratories. While current lateral flow tests are easy to use and inexpensive, they often fall short in sensitivity and specificity when compared to PCR methods. ReadyDetect aims to close that gap by encouraging the development of rapid tests that are not only accurate but also portable and user-friendly. These diagnostic tools are intended to improve public health responses to major threats such as pandemic influenza, viral hemorrhagic fevers, and other high-risk pathogens.
The competition is divided into two phases, each offering significant financial incentives. The first phase, known as the Concept Stage, will take place between 2025 and 2026. Up to ten teams will be awarded $100,000 each for submitting strong concept papers that outline their technology, its potential impact, and a clear path for development. The second phase, the Prototype Stage, will run from 2026 through 2028. Up to three winners in this stage may each receive $3 million for demonstrating a working prototype that shows clinical potential, regulatory readiness, and the ability to scale production in a cost-effective manner. Winners of the Concept Stage are expected to be announced in spring 2026, with Prototype Stage winners to follow in spring 2028.
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Stephanie Chan, Director of Innovation Programs at ULP, explained that the competition is meant to inspire new thinking in diagnostic development. She shared that ReadyDetect is focused on expanding access to reliable testing for communities everywhere, not just those near a hospital or medical lab. According to Chan, by bringing together scientists from universities, startups, and established companies, the competition creates an environment where fresh ideas can grow and be brought to life. She emphasized that reliable testing should be as close as a local pharmacy or someone’s home, especially during a health emergency.
Participation is open to a wide range of organizations across the globe, including commercial companies, research institutions, and non-profit entities. However, to encourage real-world scalability and eventual commercialization, academic and non-profit applicants must form partnerships with commercial businesses. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of expert judges who will evaluate the entries based on criteria such as product design, scientific feasibility, regulatory planning, and market potential.
With the shift in healthcare delivery toward decentralized models, the ReadyDetect competition is well-timed to help prepare communities for future infectious disease challenges. The program’s larger goal is to foster the development of diagnostic tools that are not only clinically effective but also accessible to everyone, no matter their location. By supporting innovation in this space, ReadyDetect contributes to a stronger, more responsive public health infrastructure that is better equipped to manage future pandemics and biological threats.
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