A $50 million Project NextGen competition to advance microneedle patch-based RNA vaccines. 

BARDA calls on vaccine developers and patch makers to partner and accelerate new vaccine technologies.

Patch Forward Prize

About the prize

The Patch Forward Prize, part of Project NextGen, is a $50 million competition to advance microneedle patch-based RNA vaccines for COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and pandemic influenza. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) calls on vaccine developers and patch makers to partner and accelerate new vaccine technologies.

Timeline

The prize consists of three independent stages. The Concept Stage invites concept papers from all eligible entrants.

Prize launch

March 28, 2024
We are here

Concept Stage submission deadline

October 3, 2024

Concept Stage winner announcement

January, 2025

Preclinical Stage launch

Early 2025

Clinical Stage launch

Mid 2025

Preclinical Stage ends

Late 2026

Clinical Stage ends

Mid 2028

Prize pool

$50 million

The Patch Forward Prize will award $50 million across three stages. The Concept Stage will award up to $8 million, with up to four winners receiving $2 million each.

 

Prize resources

Access resources to learn more about patch-based RNA vaccine development, including the technologies, product development, and regulatory requirements.

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