For any additional questions and inquiries, please contact hello@lymexvisiblevoicesprize.comBelow is a summary of the most frequently asked questions. The FAQs are intended for informational purposes only, and all information presented here is superseded by the challenge rules, terms, and conditions.
FAQ
About the Competition
What is the LymeX Visible Voices Prize?
This public call to action asks, “How might we make Lyme and other tickborne disease diagnoses more visible and transparent so patients and clinicians can understand and act on complex information — and learn from real voices?”
What are the challenge focus areas?
Focus your solution on one of the four focus areas:
- Diagnostic comparison guides
- Provider-facing educational materials aligned with public health guidance
- Patient education toolkits
- Community-informed insights on diagnostic gaps
What is the challenge structure?
- Single-phase challenge
- Submission period from May 29 to July 31, 2026
- Open to eligible U.S. citizens and organizations
- Form a team of five and register as a team or an entity
- Up to $250,000 total prize pool awarded to selected winners
What are the expected outcomes?
The challenge is designed to generate high-impact, evidence-based educational materials that improve understanding of Lyme diagnostics, elevate patient voices, and support more informed care decisions.
What is the legal authority for this challenge?
This challenge is conducted under the America COMPETES Act (15 U.S.C. § 3719).
Submission Process
When did the challenge open?
Submissions launched on May 29, 2026. Participants can register and submit entries. Please see the Timeline page for more information.
When does the challenge close?
Submissions will close on July 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Please see the Timeline page for more information.
How can I register and hand in a submission?
You can register for the challenge on the submission platform with your email address. For more information on how to enter and details on the submission form, please visit: www.lymex.awardsplatform.com.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to participate?
The challenge is open to eligible U.S. citizens and U.S. organizations in accordance with the America COMPETES Act (15 U.S.C. § 3719). You can enter the competition as a team (with at least five team members) or as an entity (with at least five team members). For more information, please refer to the challenge rules, terms, and conditions.
What sources can I use to create an educational resource for a submission?
All references must come from federal government sources (e.g., HHS, NIH, CDC, FDA, and .gov/.mil sites) and peer-reviewed literature, cited using AP Style.
Prizes
What is the prize pool?
Up to $250,000 in total cash prizes may be awarded:
- 1 Grand Prize: $50,000
- 5 Excellence Prizes: $20,000
- 10 Impact Awards: $10,000
- Additional Recognition: HHS may provide non-monetary recognition and acknowledgments.
How many winners will be selected?
HHS may, at its sole discretion, select up to 16 cash prize winners, along with additional non-monetary recognition.
How can prize funds be used?
HHS does not place restrictions on how winners may use prize funds awarded to them.