Award Details

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.

General Process & Timeline

The application typically opens in the late fall and closes in February. Submitted applications are subjected to a detailed review by the organization committee and outside reviewers, based on the review criteria. Five to seven semifinalists are selected from the pool of applicants and announced in mid/late April. All applicants receive constructive feedback on their technologies with their notification. Several weeks after the announcement, semifinalists present their technologies to the organizing committee via a 30-minute video call, consisting of a 15-20 minute presentation and brief Q&A. Three finalists are selected and announced in late May/early June. The finalists then get additional input and guidance from the organizing committee during several mentor calls, to help prepare them for their presentation at the special session at the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting. During the session, each finalist presents their technology to the audience and three expert judges. The winner is selected by the judges and announced at the end of the session.

View specific timeline dates

Prizes

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

5 to 7 semifinalists will receive:

  • A kiosk in the Clinical Lab Expo hall where they can showcase their technology throughout the duration of the Expo.
  • Four (4) complimentary registrations for the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting, where they will get valuable face time with leaders in the in vitro diagnostic industry and research communities, as well as access to educational and poster sessions.
  • Free one-year AACC memberships for up to three (3) team members.

3 finalists will also:

  • Present data on their technology in a special session during the Annual Scientific Meeting. 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 session and will receive:

  • A cash award.
  • Free one-year AACC memberships for two (2) additional team members.
  • Coverage by AACC.