The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is seeking innovative artificial intelligence approaches to help identify biological threats in complex environmental data.
The Ready, Set…ID the Biothreat, an AI-Assisted Algorithmic Biodetection Prize Challenge invites academics, companies, innovators, laboratories and other technology developers to submit algorithmic approaches that can detect potential biological threat signals rapidly, distinguish them from benign environmental background and provide explainable, confidence-scored results to support follow-on analysis and response.
“DHS is investing in next-generation tools that can strengthen the nation’s ability to recognize emerging biological risks and protect the American people, agriculture, critical infrastructure, and the economy,” Pedro Allende, under secretary for science and technology, said. “This challenge will help accelerate innovative software capabilities that can support a more resilient and responsive bio surveillance posture.”
All legal U.S.-incorporated entities whose primary place of business is the United States, U.S. citizens 18 years old or older and legal permanent residents at the time of submission are eligible. Participants retain ownership of their existing core intellectual property.
Submissions are due by Oct. 14. The competition will be conducted in three stages. Finalists may receive prize awards as they advance through the stages up to $999,990.