• Approved

The Goal
The SMART Antiviral Prize is focused on identifying safe and effective broad-spectrum small molecules that have the potential to advance into clinical trials and achieve U.S. regulatory approval. The goal of this competition is to advance the development of novel antivirals that strengthen the therapeutic pipeline and address gaps in strategic preparedness in partnership with innovators offering creative solutions.

A Multi-Stage Competition
The SMART Antiviral Prize is a multi-stage competition designed to move candidates from idea to IND readiness through clear, stage-specific milestones and published evaluation criteria. It begins with a Concept Stage that prioritizes a well-defined technical and development approach (not extensive data), with later stages requiring progressively deeper technical submissions and evidence of broad-spectrum activity and product attributes—while allowing multiple entry points as candidates advance.

Awards for Concept Stage

Up to eight awards will be made after a merit-based review of all proposals. Submissions will be reviewed as a batch after the solicitation period is closed. Applications will be accepted starting in early February 2026. Concept Stage award decisions are anticipated in Q3 2026. The evaluation process and accompanying criteria are outlined below.

Awards for Stage 1: Hit-to-Lead

Up to six awards will be made in total. Up to two (2) of the six awards are reserved exclusively for Concept Stage winners that meet the Optimal or Essential Success Criteria within the specified submission window.* All applicants must submit a Declaration of Intent and receive approval before their submissions can be reviewed.

Rolling Review (First-to-Finish)*: Data packages may be submitted at any time during the submission window (anticipated to open in early 2027). Submissions will be reviewed in the order received, and awards will be made on a first-to-finish basis, subject to validation of the data.

Two-Success Criteria Tracks: Data packages may be submitted against one of two success criteria: Optimal Success Criteria or Essential Success Criteria, as defined in the Target Compound Profile.

Optimal Track: Awards for Optimal submissions will be made on a rolling basis as soon as the data are reviewed and validated, until all available prizes for Stage 1 (that have not been reserved for Concept Stage winners) are awarded.
Essential Track: Submissions that meet only the Essential Success Criteria will be held and considered at the end of the submission period. Essential awards will be made only if funding remains after all Optimal awards have been issued.
Reserved Awards for Concept Stage Winners: The two reserved awards are available only to eligible Concept Stage winners and may be earned at any time during the submission window. These reserved awards will be issued to the first two Concept Stage winners whose data packages meet the Optimal Success Criteria. If none of the Concept Stage winners meet the Optimal Success Criteria, the reserved awards will be issued to the first two Concept Stage winners to meet the Essential Success Criteria during the submission window.