Health Canada

Drug Checking Technology Challenge

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Process & Prizes

The following timeline may change during the challenge.

  • Consultation Phase Opened

    July 17th, 2018

  • Consultation Phase Closed

    August 17th, 2018

  • Challenge Launched

    October 2nd, 2018

  • Application Deadline

    February 1st, 2019

  • First-Stage Screening: Up to 10 applicants chosen

    April 2019

  • Incubation Period

    April to September 2019

    Selected applicants further develop prototypes

  • Second-Stage Screening: Up to 5 finalists chosen

    December 2019

  • Pilot-Phase

    January 2020 to December 2020

    Prototypes piloted

  • Grand Prize Winner Announced

    Spring 2021

Prizes

$1M

Grand Prize Winner

The grand prize winner will receive an estimated prize of $1,000,000 to further develop and build their product.

$100k

Up to 5 Finalists

Applicants chosen after the second-stage screening (selected from the semi-finalists) will receive an estimated prize of $100,000 to pilot their prototypes.

$25k

Up to 10 Semi-Finalists

Applicants chosen after the first-stage screening (up to 10) will receive an estimated prize of $25,000 to further develop their prototypes.

Applicants are encouraged to solicit additional funds from other resources.

Challenge details

Who can apply

Open to any for-profit and not-for-profit organizations such as companies, industry associations, Indigenous organizations and research associations, as well as post-secondary institutions.

Funding

  • Up to 10 Semi-Finalists will receive an estimated prize of $25,000 to further develop their prototypes.
  • Up to 5 Semi-Finalists will receive an estimated prize of $100,000 to pilot their prototypes.
  • A grand prize winner will receive an estimated prize of $1,000,000 to further develop and build their product.

Key Dates

  • Challenge Launch: October 2nd, 2018
  • Application Deadline: February 1st,  2019
  • First Selection Phase - Semi-Finalists Announced: April 2019
  • Incubation Period: April to September 2019
  • Second Selection Phase - Finalists Announced: December 2019
  • Pilot-Phase: January 2020 to December 2020
  • Grand Prize Announced: Spring 2021

Important resources