The NIH Office of AIDS Research is running the LAUNCH Challenge, part of its ARISE-HIV program, seeking practical ideas to improve access, delivery, engagement, and retention for long-acting HIV prevention and treatment products in the United States. A total prize purse of $1,000,000 is available across two phases: Phase 1 rewards the most compelling ideas, and Phase 1 winners are invited to Phase 2 to develop implementation and evaluation plans, supported by OAR webinars and office hours.

The challenge is open to individuals, teams, community-based organizations, academia, and industry, and submissions from those not currently funded by NIH are encouraged.   Phase 1 submissions are due August 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EDT, with winners announced September 29. To review the full guidelines and submit, click on the link here.