The National Academy of Medicine (NAM), with support from Johnson & Johnson Innovation, United Therapeutics, and the Yun Family Foundation, announces the opening of applications for the 2025 Catalyst Awards cycle, part of the broader Healthy Longevity Global Competition.
This award recognizes bold, innovative ideas with the potential to improve the physical, mental, or social well-being and health of people as they age. Up to 15 U.S.-based innovators will be selected to receive a $50,000 cash prize, along with exclusive opportunities for additional funding, global collaboration, and professional development.
Seeking Groundbreaking Ideas
NAM is calling for transformative ideas that extend the human healthspan—the number of years lived in good health. Proposals should challenge existing paradigms or introduce novel methodologies and concepts. High-risk, high-reward ideas are especially encouraged, with a focus on fostering health, meaning, purpose, and dignity as people age. NAM strongly encourages applications from individuals with diverse perspectives and backgrounds, particularly those focused on reducing health disparities, promoting health equity, and combating ageism.
Applicants must submit a concise two-page narrative outlining their innovative idea—no preliminary data required. The $50,000 cash prize is unrestricted, and intellectual property remains with the applicant or awardee. The competition is open to any U.S.-based individual or organization, regardless of discipline, sector, or background. Awardees will join a prestigious global network of innovators and will be eligible to compete for a $1.5 million Grand Prize in 2026.
Key Dates for the 2025 Cycle
- January 21, 2025, at 12:00 am EST: Application period opens
- March 4, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST: Application period closes
- Fall 2025: Winners announced
- Fall 2025: Global Innovator Summit (virtual event honoring 2025 Catalyst Awardees)
For more information about the Catalyst Awards and to submit your application, visit nam.edu/Catalyst-Award-Guidelines.
