Healthcare innovations have the power to improve lives around the world and catalyze transformative shifts in human health. However, without the right resources and guidance, entrepreneurs designing life-saving ideas may lack the momentum and direction crucial for success. Thankfully, many organizations provide funding and support for healthcare entrepreneurs, like Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JLABS. 

Working across eleven cities in five countries, JLABS is a network of healthcare innovation hubs that provides essential support to scientists developing solutions for the patients who need them most. JLABS hosts QuickFire Challenges throughout the year, which award grant funding, expert mentorship, and residency opportunities to scientists and entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas to advance healthcare.

Below, we’ve compiled four fantastic QuickFire Challenges that are currently open for free applications. Each challenge has a different focus, award amount, and deadline so be sure to check the details; the closest deadline is January 17th, so get started on your application soon!

Diversity in Innovation QuickFire Challenge

Supporting U.S.-based healthcare entrepreneurs who are Black / African American, Hispanic / Latino, and American Indian or Alaska Native 

To keep up with a complex and ever-changing world, our healthcare solutions need to be unique and constantly evolving. When we embrace inclusivity and collaboration, healthcare innovators with diverse backgrounds and experiences can work together to design solutions at the forefront of science. 

This QuickFire Challenge is looking for the next great idea in healthcare, particularly in pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare, health technologies, medical devices, and cross-sector initiatives. The awardee will receive up to $250,000 USD, access to the JLABS network, and mentorship from the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. The submission deadline is January 17, 2020 and the application is available online. 

Johnson & Johnson Nurses Innovate QuickFire Challenge in Oncology

Supporting practicing and retired nurses from around the world creating innovation in oncology care

Oncology nurses are vital to innovating and improving cancer prevention, treatment, and care. With their unique patient-focused perspective and expertise, nurses are able to identify key opportunities for transformative change. In partnership with the Oncology Nursing Society, JLABS is seeking ideas from practicing and retired nurses that can improve cancer prevention, care, and treatment.

This QuickFire Challenge is focused on finding new treatment protocols, health technologies, medical devices, preventive approaches, consumer products, community health approaches, and screening tools. The awardee will receive up to $100,000 USD, mentorship from healthcare experts at Johnson & Johnson, and access to the JLABS network. The submission deadline is February 7, 2020 and the application is available online.

Invisible Shield QuickFire Challenge

Supporting global entrepreneurs developing solutions that protect against respiratory pathogens

Airborne viruses like influenza, whooping cough, and chickenpox can be critically dangerous to many communities around the world. Since these viruses can’t be seen by the naked eye, healthcare innovations that work similarly—as easily implementable “invisible shields”—can keep more people protected and healthy. In partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), JLABS aims to support healthcare entrepreneurs developing solutions in biotechnology and life science that work as invisible shields against respiratory pathogens.

This QuickFire Challenge seeks ideas for safe and simple technologies that combat and repel airborne viruses and integrate smoothly into daily life. The solution should be inexpensive, nontoxic, and highly effective. Up to two awardees will receive up to $200,000 USD from BARDA, mentorship from healthcare experts at BARDA and Johnson & Johnson, and access to the JLABS network. The submission deadline is February 14, 2020 and the application is available online. 

JLABS @ Washington, DC Children’s QuickFire Challenge

Supporting innovators around the world advancing pediatric oncology, pediatric surgical care, and influenza

To celebrate the launch of the JLABS @ Washington, DC facility, located at the new Children’s National Research and Innovation Campus, JLABS is searching for visionary solutions in pediatric oncology, pediatric surgery, and influenza. In partnership with Children’s National Health System, JLABS intends to support and develop ideas that advance pediatric healthcare and enable future generations to live longer and healthier lives. 

For this QuickFire Challenge, JLABS provides several specific focuses within pediatric oncology, pediatric surgery, and influenza, including innovations in pediatric oncology port technologies, surgical robotics to treat pediatric patients, and novel solutions for influenza vaccine delivery. The full list can be read on the QuickFire Challenge webpage. There is up to $150,000 USD available in total grant funding to one or more awardees; the awardee(s) will also receive expert mentorship from Johnson & Johnson, and a one-year residency at the new JLABS @ Washington, DC facility. The submission deadline is April 24, 2020 and the application is available online.