BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge 2026: Apply for Up to US$50,000 in Seed Funding and a Six-Month Global Accelerator

Introduction: A Global Opportunity to Strengthen Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity

Organisations, research teams, startups, laboratories, and innovators worldwide have an opportunity to develop practical solutions that strengthen laboratory biosafety and biosecurity through the BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge.

The global challenge seeks innovative approaches that help maintain strong biosafety and biosecurity practices when outbreak situations demand rapid research, testing, manufacturing, and deployment. During a public health emergency, scientific and operational activities often accelerate as institutions work to understand emerging threats, develop medical countermeasures, and deliver essential health solutions. However, speed must not come at the expense of protecting people, biological samples, sensitive information, and the systems involved in health research and response.

The BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge is designed to identify practical ideas that can address these challenges across the health and life sciences ecosystem. It welcomes solutions relevant to human, animal, food, and environmental health, as well as innovations that can be applied at different stages, from research and manufacturing to deployment.

An especially distinctive feature of the challenge is its encouragement of ideas adapted from other industries, including aviation, engineering, cybersecurity, and fraud detection. This opens the door to cross-sector innovation, bringing methods and technologies from different fields into laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.

At least three selected teams will participate in a six-month accelerator programme. Each selected team will receive access to up to US$50,000 in non-dilutive seed funding, a lead mentor, and a global community of experts and health leaders. Participants will also have a place at the Innovation Showcase in Geneva during the World Health Assembly in May 2027.

The challenge is delivered by the Global Health Security Fund through BioPREVAIL, in partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

Application deadline: 31 October 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

What Is the BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge?

The BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge is a global call for practical innovations that help strengthen laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, particularly when health emergencies create pressure to work faster.

Laboratory biosafety and biosecurity are important components of public health preparedness and response. Laboratories and related facilities may need to increase their activities quickly during an outbreak, including conducting research, testing samples, developing countermeasures, manufacturing health products, and supporting deployment.

As activities expand and timelines become more demanding, existing systems and procedures must remain effective. Innovations that help maintain safety, security, accountability, and reliable operational practices under pressure can contribute to stronger health security.

The challenge seeks solutions that address this need. Rather than focusing exclusively on one type of laboratory, one health sector, or one stage of the scientific process, it welcomes ideas that can be relevant across multiple areas of health and innovation.

The challenge also recognises that useful solutions do not necessarily have to originate within the life sciences. Other sectors have developed approaches to managing risk, maintaining operational standards, detecting suspicious activity, and performing reliably under pressure. Adaptations of these approaches may offer new ways to strengthen laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.

Through its six-month accelerator, the initiative will support selected teams as they develop their ideas, access expert guidance, and connect with a global community of professionals and health leaders.

The opportunity is therefore relevant to innovators who want to translate a practical idea into a solution that can help protect people, samples, and data while supporting effective health research and outbreak preparedness.

Why Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Matter During Outbreaks

When an infectious disease outbreak occurs, laboratories, research institutions, manufacturers, and public health organisations may face increased demands. Research and testing activities can accelerate, while manufacturing and deployment systems may need to respond to urgent public health priorities.

In these circumstances, the ability to work quickly is important. However, speed must be supported by practices that continue to protect people, samples, and data.

The challenge specifically focuses on keeping laboratory biosafety and biosecurity strong when operations move quickly and ensuring that these practices remain effective after the immediate pressure has passed.

This is an important distinction. A solution should not only help an organisation respond during an emergency; it should also support practices that remain reliable beyond the peak of the crisis.

The challenge invites practical solutions that can help address this broader need. By encouraging innovators from different disciplines and sectors to contribute ideas, it aims to identify approaches that may strengthen biosafety and biosecurity across different operational environments.

Potential applicants should examine the specific problem their proposed innovation addresses and explain how it relates to the challenge’s focus on maintaining strong biosafety and biosecurity during periods of accelerated activity.

Key Areas of Focus for the Biosecurity Innovation Challenge

The BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge welcomes solutions across several health areas and stages of the innovation process.

1. Human health

Human health is one of the challenge’s stated areas of focus. Innovations in this area may be relevant to the laboratory and health systems that support research, testing, manufacturing, and deployment during outbreaks affecting people.

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed solution addresses a practical biosafety or biosecurity challenge relevant to human health, in line with the official call requirements.

2. Animal health

The challenge also welcomes solutions relevant to animal health.

Animal health is included within the initiative’s broad scope, creating an opportunity for innovators working in relevant research, laboratory, or health-related settings to consider how their ideas could strengthen biosafety and biosecurity.

Applicants should explain the connection between their solution and the challenge’s stated objectives rather than assuming that any animal-health innovation automatically qualifies.

3. Food health and safety

Food is another area explicitly included in the challenge announcement.

Innovators with solutions relevant to food-related health systems may consider whether their ideas can contribute to stronger biosafety and biosecurity practices in appropriate settings.

The announcement does not provide a detailed list of eligible food-related applications, so applicants should consult the official call to determine whether their proposed solution fits the requirements.

4. Environmental health

The challenge welcomes innovations relevant to environmental health as well.

This broadens the opportunity beyond solutions focused exclusively on human clinical or laboratory settings. Innovators working on environmental health challenges can explore whether their ideas have a clear and practical connection to laboratory biosafety or biosecurity.

The key consideration is the relevance of the proposed solution to the challenge’s stated objectives.

5. Research, manufacturing, and deployment

The challenge is not limited to one stage of the health innovation process. It welcomes solutions that can be relevant from research through manufacturing to deployment.

This broad scope recognises that biosafety and biosecurity considerations can arise at different points in the development and delivery of health solutions.

Applicants should identify where their innovation would be applied, the practical challenge it addresses, and how it could help maintain strong practices when activities accelerate.

Cross-Sector Innovation: Bringing Ideas from Other Industries into Biosecurity

One of the most notable features of the BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge is its explicit encouragement of ideas adapted from other fields.

The challenge names aviation, engineering, cybersecurity, and fraud detection as examples of sectors from which useful approaches may be drawn.

This approach creates opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Innovators do not necessarily have to begin with an idea developed exclusively for laboratory settings. They may instead examine whether an existing method, system, or concept from another field can be adapted to address a relevant biosafety or biosecurity problem.

Aviation

Aviation is one of the fields highlighted in the announcement.

Applicants may consider whether an approach developed in aviation could be adapted to help maintain reliable practices under pressure in an appropriate laboratory or health-related environment. Any proposed adaptation would need to demonstrate a clear connection to the challenge’s objectives.

Engineering

Engineering is another field identified as a potential source of ideas.

Engineering approaches may inspire practical solutions to operational problems, depending on the proposed innovation. Applicants should explain how the concept could be applied to strengthen laboratory biosafety or biosecurity rather than relying on the sector’s name alone.

Cybersecurity

The challenge also encourages ideas adapted from cybersecurity.

This is particularly relevant to innovators exploring how concepts from digital security or information protection might be adapted to the challenge’s focus on protecting people, samples, and data. The official call should be consulted for specific requirements and boundaries.

Fraud detection

Fraud detection is the fourth example named in the announcement.

Applicants may explore whether relevant approaches from fraud detection can be adapted to address a practical biosafety or biosecurity problem. As with ideas from other sectors, the proposed solution should have a clear purpose and a credible connection to the challenge’s objectives.

Why cross-sector thinking matters

Encouraging ideas from other industries allows the challenge to consider a wider range of approaches than those traditionally developed within laboratory and life sciences settings.

For prospective applicants, this means that an idea does not necessarily need to originate in a conventional biosafety or biosecurity programme to be worth considering. What matters is whether it can be adapted into a practical solution relevant to the challenge.

Applicants should clearly explain the original concept, how it would be adapted, the problem it addresses, and why it could help maintain strong biosafety and biosecurity when operations accelerate.

What Selected Teams Will Receive

At least three teams will be selected to participate in a six-month accelerator programme. The announcement identifies three principal benefits: non-dilutive seed funding, mentorship and expert connections, and participation in an Innovation Showcase in Geneva.

1. Up to US$50,000 in non-dilutive seed funding per team

Each selected team will have access to up to US$50,000 in non-dilutive seed funding.

Non-dilutive funding generally refers to financing that does not require the recipient to give up equity in their organisation in exchange for the funding. The announcement also explicitly states that teams will retain ownership of their intellectual property.

This can be valuable for teams seeking support to develop their innovations without surrendering ownership of the ideas and intellectual property they create.

The wording “up to US$50,000” is important: it represents the maximum stated amount, not a guarantee that every team will receive the full amount.

Applicants should review the official call for information about funding conditions, eligible costs, disbursement arrangements, milestones, reporting requirements, and any other applicable terms. These details are not provided in the announcement.

2. A six-month accelerator programme

Selected teams will join a six-month accelerator.

An accelerator provides a structured period in which selected teams can work on their innovations while accessing support and opportunities intended to help them advance their ideas.

For this challenge, the accelerator is linked to the goal of strengthening practical biosafety and biosecurity solutions. The announcement confirms that selected teams will receive mentorship and access to a global community of experts and health leaders.

Applicants should consult the official call for further details about the accelerator’s schedule, activities, expected deliverables, and participation requirements.

3. A lead mentor

Each selected team will have a lead mentor.

Mentorship can provide teams with an opportunity to receive guidance as they develop their ideas and consider how their innovations address the challenge’s objectives.

The announcement does not identify the mentors or specify the number of mentoring sessions. Applicants should refer to the official programme information for any additional details about the mentoring arrangement.

4. Access to a global community of experts and health leaders

Selected teams will also have access to a global community of experts and health leaders.

This is an opportunity to connect with people who bring different experiences and perspectives to health security and related fields. Such engagement may help teams examine their ideas, learn from relevant expertise, and understand the broader context in which their innovations could be applied.

The exact format of these interactions is not described in the announcement. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that a specific number of meetings, introductions, or partnerships is guaranteed.

5. A place at the Innovation Showcase in Geneva

Selected teams will have a place at the Innovation Showcase in Geneva during the World Health Assembly in May 2027.

The showcase provides a platform associated with a major global health gathering where the selected teams can present their work.

This can be a valuable opportunity for teams to communicate the purpose and relevance of their innovations to a wider health audience. However, applicants should review the official terms to understand the arrangements for participation, including whether travel and accommodation are covered.

The announcement confirms a place at the showcase but does not specify the related travel or accommodation provisions.

Who Can Apply for the BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge?

The announcement states that startups, companies, research groups, national and reference laboratories, non-profits, and consortia from any country can apply.

This makes the challenge a global opportunity with a broad range of eligible applicant types.

1. Startups

Startups developing practical innovations relevant to laboratory biosafety and biosecurity may apply.

This can be relevant to early-stage ventures seeking support to advance an idea, strengthen its practical application, or explore how a solution could address a defined challenge.

Startups should clearly establish the relevance of their innovation to the challenge and review the official application requirements.

2. Companies

Companies are also included among the eligible applicant types.

Businesses with relevant technologies, systems, products, or approaches may consider applying if their proposed solution fits the challenge’s objectives.

Applicants should explain how the innovation could help maintain strong biosafety and biosecurity when operations move quickly.

3. Research groups

Research groups working on relevant challenges may apply.

The challenge’s emphasis on practical solutions means that applicants should clearly communicate the problem their idea addresses and how it could be applied in an appropriate setting.

Research groups should consult the official call for any requirements relating to institutional affiliation, team composition, or supporting documentation.

4. National and reference laboratories

National and reference laboratories are explicitly included in the announcement.

These institutions may consider whether they have identified practical challenges that could be addressed through a proposed innovation, including solutions relevant to maintaining strong biosafety and biosecurity during periods of accelerated activity.

Applicants should confirm the official requirements before submitting a proposal.

5. Non-profit organisations

Non-profit organisations may also apply.

This is relevant to organisations that develop or support practical solutions aligned with the challenge’s objectives. Non-profits should demonstrate how their proposed innovation addresses the specific problem under consideration.

The announcement does not state that non-profits must have a particular legal status, annual budget, or operating history. Any additional requirements should be verified through the official call.

6. Consortia

Consortia are included among the eligible applicants.

This creates an opportunity for groups of organisations or teams working together on a relevant solution, subject to the official eligibility and application requirements.

A consortium considering an application should review the rules concerning the lead applicant, partner roles, intellectual property, funding arrangements, and any required agreements.

Is the challenge open internationally?

Yes. The announcement explicitly states that eligible applicant types from any country can apply.

However, international availability should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every applicant or proposal will be selected. Applicants must still satisfy the requirements of the official call and undergo the applicable selection process.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

The announcement does not provide a detailed scoring rubric or a complete list of required documents. Nevertheless, prospective applicants can prepare by developing a clear understanding of the problem they intend to address and how their innovation relates to the challenge’s objectives.

The following steps offer a practical starting point.

Step 1: Identify a specific biosafety or biosecurity challenge

Start by identifying the practical problem your innovation is intended to solve.

The challenge focuses on maintaining strong laboratory biosafety and biosecurity when research, testing, manufacturing, and deployment accelerate during an outbreak.

Applicants should explain the problem clearly and establish why it matters in the context of the challenge.

Step 2: Explain how your solution works

Describe the proposed innovation in clear, accessible language.

Explain what the solution is designed to do, how it would be applied, and how it addresses the identified problem. Avoid relying exclusively on technical terminology without explaining the practical value of the idea.

The official application may request specific technical details, so applicants should follow the instructions provided.

Step 3: Demonstrate relevance across the stated scope

The challenge welcomes solutions relevant to human, animal, food, and environmental health and to different stages from research to manufacturing to deployment.

Applicants should identify the area or stage most relevant to their innovation and explain the connection to the challenge’s objectives.

Do not assume that an idea is eligible simply because it relates broadly to health or technology. Its relevance to laboratory biosafety and biosecurity should be clear.

Step 4: Consider whether your idea draws on another sector

If your innovation adapts an approach from aviation, engineering, cybersecurity, fraud detection, or another field, explain the connection.

Describe the original concept, the adaptation being proposed, and why the resulting solution could be useful in the relevant setting.

Cross-sector inspiration is specifically encouraged, but the idea must still address the challenge’s practical objectives.

Step 5: Clarify the value of the innovation

Explain what makes the proposed solution useful and how it could help address the identified problem.

Where evidence is available, applicants may describe relevant testing, development, research, or practical experience. Any claims about performance or results should be supported by appropriate evidence.

The announcement does not state that applicants must have a fully commercialised product or a particular level of technical maturity. Check the official call for the expected stage of development.

Step 6: Review intellectual property considerations

The announcement states that selected teams will retain ownership of their intellectual property.

Applicants should nevertheless read the official terms carefully to understand the precise intellectual property provisions, including any relevant obligations, licensing terms, or agreements.

Step 7: Confirm the funding and accelerator requirements

Review the official call for information about how the funding will be awarded, what expenses may be eligible, the accelerator’s expectations, and the responsibilities of selected teams.

The stated maximum is up to US$50,000 per team. The announcement does not guarantee the full amount to every selected team.

Step 8: Submit before the deadline

The stated deadline is 31 October 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Applicants should check the official application page for the precise submission process and any requirements that could affect completion of their applications.

Submitting well before the deadline can provide time to address technical issues or missing information.

Important Dates and Programme Milestones

The announcement identifies the application deadline and the planned Innovation Showcase. Applicants should keep the following dates in view.

• Application deadline: 31 October 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).
• Accelerator duration: Six months for selected teams.
• Innovation Showcase: Geneva, during the World Health Assembly in May 2027.

The announcement does not provide the accelerator’s exact start and end dates. Applicants should consult the official call for the programme calendar and any additional milestones.

Frequently Asked Questions About the BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge

1. What is the BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge?

It is a global call for practical solutions that help maintain strong laboratory biosafety and biosecurity when research, testing, manufacturing, and deployment need to accelerate, particularly during outbreaks.

2. Who is organising the challenge?

The challenge is delivered by the Global Health Security Fund through BioPREVAIL, in partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

3. Who can apply?

The announcement identifies startups, companies, research groups, national and reference laboratories, non-profits, and consortia as eligible applicant types.

4. Is the opportunity open to applicants from different countries?

Yes. The announcement states that eligible applicants from any country can apply.

5. How much funding is available?

Each selected team will receive access to up to US$50,000 in non-dilutive seed funding. The announcement does not guarantee that every selected team will receive the full amount.

6. What does non-dilutive funding mean?

Non-dilutive funding generally refers to funding that does not require an organisation to give up equity in exchange for the financing. The challenge announcement also confirms that teams retain ownership of their intellectual property. Applicants should review the official terms for the full conditions.

7. How many teams will be selected?

The announcement states that at least three teams will join the six-month accelerator.

8. What support will selected teams receive?

Selected teams will receive access to up to US$50,000 in non-dilutive seed funding, a lead mentor, a global community of experts and health leaders, and a place at the Innovation Showcase in Geneva during the World Health Assembly in May 2027.

9. What types of solutions are encouraged?

The challenge welcomes practical solutions relevant to human, animal, food, and environmental health, across stages from research to manufacturing to deployment. It especially encourages ideas adapted from fields such as aviation, engineering, cybersecurity, and fraud detection.

10. When is the application deadline?

The deadline is 31 October 2026 at 23:59 CET.

11. Where can applicants find the official call?

Applicants can read the call and apply through the following link: https://bioprevail.org/apply/

How to Apply for the BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge

Organisations and teams interested in developing practical solutions for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity should review the official challenge announcement and application requirements before submitting a proposal.

The challenge is open to eligible startups, companies, research groups, national and reference laboratories, non-profits, and consortia from any country.

Applicants should prepare a clear explanation of their proposed solution, its relevance to the challenge’s objectives, and how it addresses a practical problem associated with maintaining strong biosafety and biosecurity when operations accelerate.

They should also review the conditions of the six-month accelerator, the non-dilutive seed funding, the intellectual property provisions, mentorship arrangements, and the Innovation Showcase opportunity.

Application deadline: 31 October 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

Conclusion

The BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge 2026 presents a global opportunity for innovators and organisations to develop practical solutions that strengthen laboratory biosafety and biosecurity during periods of increased pressure, including public health outbreaks.

By welcoming applicants from startups, companies, research groups, national and reference laboratories, non-profits, and consortia across any country, the challenge creates space for a wide range of organisations to contribute ideas. Its scope extends across human, animal, food, and environmental health and includes different stages of activity, from research and manufacturing to deployment.

The challenge’s encouragement of ideas adapted from aviation, engineering, cybersecurity, fraud detection, and other fields also creates room for interdisciplinary thinking. Selected teams will benefit from a six-month accelerator, up to US$50,000 each in non-dilutive seed funding, a lead mentor, access to a global community of experts and health leaders, and a place at the Innovation Showcase in Geneva during the World Health Assembly in May 2027. Teams will retain ownership of their intellectual property, as stated in the announcement.

For innovators with a practical solution that aligns with these objectives, this challenge may provide an opportunity to develop their ideas with financial and expert support while contributing to stronger health security.

Interested applicants should review the official call carefully, confirm the eligibility and funding conditions, and submit their applications before the deadline.

Apply for the BioPREVAIL × CEPI Biosecurity Innovation Challenge:

Deadline: 31 October 2026 at 23:59 CET.