Disruptive Technology Award

Please note that the application deadline has passed. Thank you to everyone who applied.

About the Award

The AACC Disruptive Technology Award recognizes innovative testing solutions that improve patient care through diagnostic performance or access to high quality testing. The competition provides a unique opportunity to showcase your technology, receive feedback and mentorship from an expert panel of reviewers, and to connect with leaders in the in vitro diagnostics industry and research community. Finalists also have the opportunity to present their technology at the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting, which draws up to 20,000 laboratory medicine professionals from around the world.

What Do Applicants Receive?

All applicants will have their submissions reviewed by an expert panel and will receive constructive feedback on their technologies.

5 to 7 semi-finalists will receive:

• Complimentary full registrations for the 2020 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting, December 13–17, in Chicago, where they will get valuable face time with leaders in the in vitro diagnostic industry and research communities.
• A kiosk in the Clinical Lab Expo hall where they can showcase their technology throughout the duration of the Expo.
• Free one-year AACC memberships for up to 3 team members.

3 finalists will:

• Present data on their technology in a special session on Monday, December 14, 2020 from 4:30–6 p.m. in the Plenary Ballroom of the McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago. During this session, a panel of expert judges will evaluate all presented testing solutions based on feasibility and performance. The audience will also vote for their favorite technology.
• Have the opportunity to attend AACC's invitation-only Corporate Recognition Reception after the competition, where finalists will be able to connect with leaders from top diagnostic companies.
• Receive valuable input from assigned mentors as they prepare for their presentations.

The winner will be chosen at the end of the Monday, December 14 session and will receive:

• A cash award.
• Free one-year AACC memberships for up to 5 team members.
• Coverage by AACC.

Who Can Apply?

All technology developers are eligible regardless of company/organization size, including in vitro diagnostic vendors and academic developers. Applicants should be able to present supporting data for their technology and must demonstrate some application to the field of laboratory diagnostics, including (but not limited to) areas such as: novel diagnostic sensors/devices, novel tests/reagents, point-of-care testing, and artificial intelligence.

Timeline

• June 15: Deadline for submitting the application form. (This has passed.)
• August 12: 5–7 semi-finalists announced.
• Late August–Mid-September: All semi-finalists are required to provide a brief presentation to the award organizing committee within three weeks of their selection. No shows will not be eligible to become finalists. AACC staff will contact semi-finalists to schedule their presentations.
• September 30: 3 finalists announced.
• Mid-October: All finalists will provide their presentation slide decks to assigned mentors for review.
• December 14, 4:30–6 p.m.: All finalists will be required to present at this special session at McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago. The winner will be chosen at the end of the session. 

Please note that these dates may still be subject to change.

Questions?

Please contact education@aacc.org if you have any questions.