Mask Innovation Challenge winners to get up to $500,000, says U.S. government

Over a year into the pandemic, the U.S. government’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has announced a competition to design “next-generation masks.” There is a $500,000 total prize waiting for winners. So if you think you have an idea for a better mask, grab this chance. In the course of the pandemic, we’ve seen a wide variety of masks from unsafe fashion pieces to RGB nightmares and other sets of stylish options.

The Mask Innovation Challenge was created in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, an organization under the CDC). This challenge will address some of the common complaints regarding masks, like the fact they can fog up glasses, cause skin irritation, become uncomfortable to wear, get in the way of communication, and potentially let COVID-19 particles in through the sides.

The contest will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will focus on “design,” which is split into two tracks, one that analyzes redesigns of existing masks, and another that’s focused on new technologies and materials. Submissions will include actual schematics for building the submitted masks, which NIOSH says may be tested in the future as well. Phase One will have up to 10 winners, each of whom will receive $10,000 to help build a prototype of their masks.

The second phase called “proof-of-concept” will require contestants to respond to a hypothetical scenario with a brand-new mask design. It should not be based on any existing mask. Entries at phase two will submit physical prototypes of their masks for NIOSH to test. Phase two will have up to five winners who will split a total prize pool of $400,000. NIOSH and BARDA say more details on the second phase will be available at a later date.

Holding a design contest to find a “better” mask could produce some real solutions, but the most important part is, it reflects the increased role masks may play in our lives, even after people are vaccinated.

The deadline for submission to phase one of the Mask Innovation Challenge is April 21st.