NIH QuSAFE Challenge

Executive summary

NIH's QuSAFE Challenge offers $7.1M in prizes for quantum-enabled sensors and methods that monitor human in vitro tissue models for toxicity and safety testing. U.S. entities compete as teams. Registration opens October 25, 2026, and Stage 1 submissions are accepted December 31, 2026 through July 27, 2027.

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Stage 1 pays up to 25 winners $20,000 each for a concept, with a path to a grand prize of up to $840,000.

Solicitation at a glance

• Agency: National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), with NIBIB, NSF and NASA
• Opportunity: QuSAFE: Quantum-Enabled Approaches for Predictive Preclinical NAMs for Toxicity and Safety
• Program: Part of NIH's Qu-BIT program
• Award vehicle: Prize competition
• Funding: $7.1M in total prizes
• Key dates: Registration opens October 25, 2026; technical assistance webinar November 30, 2026; Stage 1 submissions December 31, 2026 to July 27, 2027

Think your team qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before registration opens.

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What is QuSAFE?

An NIH prize challenge for quantum-enabled tools that make preclinical safety testing in human tissue models more predictive.

What problem is NIH trying to solve?

New approach methodologies (NAMs) such as organ chips and tissue models need better ways to watch tissue continuously without damaging it. NIH wants quantum sensing to close that gap.

Prize structure

• Stage 1: up to 25 winners at $20,000 each
• Stage 2, Milestone 1 (July 2028): up to 15 winners at $200,000 each
• Stage 2, Milestone 2 (November 2029): up to 6 runners-up at $460,000 each, plus a grand prize of up to $840,000

Eligibility

• Teams or entities only; individuals cannot enter alone.
• Private entities must be incorporated in the U.S. with their main place of business in the U.S.
• Team leads must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Entrants need $250,000 in liability insurance and must indemnify the government.

How to apply

• Read the rules on the NIH QuSAFE page.
• Register when registration opens on October 25, 2026.
• Join the technical assistance webinar on November 30, 2026.
• Submit Stage 1 between December 31, 2026 and July 27, 2027 through the challenge vendor's portal (to be announced).

What happens after you submit?

• Stage 1 judging: up to 25 winners.
• Stage 2: build and validate, with milestone prizes in July 2028 and November 2029.

Is this opportunity a good fit for your company?

Strong fit for quantum sensing companies (for example NV-diamond magnetometry or quantum optical sensing) and for organ-chip or tissue-model companies that want to add quantum measurement. Weak fit for teams outside the U.S. or without a path to biological validation.

How BW&CO can help

BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For prize challenges like QuSAFE, we help you:

• Test fit before you register
• Build the right quantum plus biology team
• Write a Stage 1 concept that scores well
• Plan the Stage 2 path and budget
• Map related NIH SBIR and NSF quantum funding

Plan your QuSAFE entry

Frequently asked questions

What is QuSAFE?

An NIH prize challenge for quantum-enabled safety and toxicity testing in human tissue models.

How much money is available?

$7.1M in total prizes.

When does registration open?

October 25, 2026.

When is Stage 1 due?

Submissions are accepted December 31, 2026 through July 27, 2027.

How much does Stage 1 pay?

Up to 25 winners receive $20,000 each.

What is the top prize?

A grand prize of up to $840,000.

Can companies enter?

Yes, as U.S.-incorporated entities competing as teams.

Is insurance required?

Yes, $250,000 in liability insurance.

Can BW&CO help with a QuSAFE entry?

Yes. We help teams test fit, build the team and write a Stage 1 concept. Book a call with our team.

Source: NIH QuSAFE Challenge