Five Phase 2 teams are participating in a virtual accelerator and developing their concepts for advanced point-of-care blood lead tests.
A $1 million challenge, on behalf of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to enhance testing for lead in children.
Phase 1 winners
Fluorezyme
Fluorezyme’s dual amplification strategy would use DNA and light to detect lead in whole blood with a device that would fit in a user’s hand.
GlucoSentient and UT Austin
The concept from GlucoSentient and UT Austin would adapt a blood glucose meter platform and use a DNAzyme sensor to detect lead in a blood sample.
Meridian Bioscience
Meridian Bioscience’s device would apply electrochemical sensors to detect lead by measuring the electrical current in a blood sample.
OndaVia, Inc
OndaVia’s solution would apply optical technology to detect the presence of lead using a distinctive fingerprint signature.
SensiLead
SensiLead’s plug-and-play sensor would apply electrochemistry to detect lead and include a mobile app that would allow users to test and track results.
About the challenge
The Lead Detect Prize seeks to accelerate the development of next-generation point-of-care blood lead testing technology. The challenge, on behalf of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will advance blood lead test solutions by providing funding and expertise while fostering collaboration and partnership. Phase 1 awarded five winners an equal share of a $150,000 prize pool. Phase 1 winners were also exclusively invited to enter Phase 2 and join a virtual accelerator. Up to three Phase 2 winners will receive a share of a $850,000 prize pool.
Timeline
In Phase 1 eligible entrants were invited to submit concept papers and development plans.
Challenge launch
November 14, 2023
Phase 1 submission deadline
January 22, 2024
Phase 1 evaluation
January 23-February 23, 2024
We are here
Phase 1 winner announcement and Phase 2 start
March 14, 2024
Phase 2 submission period ends
Q3 2024
Phase 2 winner announcement
Late 2024
PRIZE POOL
$1 million
The Lead Detect Prize will award up to $1 million. Phase 1 awarded $150,000, and Phase 2 will award up to $850,000.
Challenge resources
Access resources to learn more about the current issues in blood lead exposure testing and how to take a novel test from concept through regulatory approval and commercialization.