The 2026 Grand Challenge hosted by Nucleate in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company is an innovation competition focused on accelerating early-stage biotech technologies that improve functional health and resilience in aging populations. The challenge centers on four areas: mobility and frailty, cognitive and sensory decline, immune resilience, and regenerative medicine, with an emphasis on real-world health outcomes and quality of life.The program  is open to researchers, startups, and biotech teams worldwide, regardless of affiliation with Nucleate. Technologies at all development stages are eligible to apply.

Selected participants will be invited to Lilly’s headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the Grand Challenge event on September 21–22, 2026, where they will network with Lilly scientists and executives and compete for $100,000 in non-dilutive grant funding.

The application deadline is May 15, 2026. Click begin your application, click here.