BioTools Innovator VANGUARD Launches ReadyDetect Blood Sampling Collection Prize Competition

A new prize competition seeks innovative blood collection and sample preparation technologies to expand access to decentralized diagnostic testing.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioTools Innovator (BTI) VANGUARD, in partnership with the Center for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), today announced the launch of ReadyDetect: Blood Sampling Competition, a new initiative to advance innovative blood self-collection and sample preparation technologies for decentralized diagnostic testing in home, community, and field settings.

ReadyDetect is designed to support innovators developing technologies that could expand access to diagnostic testing while strengthening national preparedness capabilities for public health emergencies and other health security threats. The two-stage competition seeks technologies capable of enabling low-cost, easy-to-use capillary blood self-collection and processing into serum and/or plasma that are functionally compatible with downstream diagnostic platforms.

Applications for the Concept Stage are now open and will be accepted through July 31, 2026.

The ReadyDetect competition includes two independent stages:

• Concept Stage: Focused on early-stage concept and enabling technology development plans proposed for the Prototype Stage
• Prototype Stage: Focused on prototype development and demonstration activities

Participation in the Concept Stage is not required for eligibility in the Prototype Stage.

The Concept Stage will select up to five winners, each receiving a $100,000 prize, while the Prototype Stage will select up to three winners, each receiving a $1,500,000 prize.

ReadyDetect welcomes applications from startups, established companies, academic teams, nonprofit organizations, and individual innovators developing next-generation blood collection and sample preparation technologies.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, desired product attributes, application materials, and timeline details, visit the ReadyDetect webpage. Apply today and help advance the future of decentralized diagnostic sample collection technologies.

*This project has been supported in whole or in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under OT number 75A50124C00034.

About BioTools Innovator VANGUARD

BioTools Innovator VANGUARD is a joint initiative between BioTools Innovator and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As one of the five BARDA Accelerator Network hubs, BioTools Innovator VANGUARD serves as the Enabling Technologies Hub focusing on supporting innovations in drug discovery and development, biomanufacturing capabilities, diagnostics, and improved clinical research and care coordination. Together, the BARDA Accelerator Network hubs work to strengthen the United States’ readiness for public health emergencies.

For more information about BioTools Innovator VANGUARD, visit the VANGUARD website. For more information about BARDA, visit the BARDA DRIVe website.