ODP uses Challenges and Prize Competitions to spark new ways of thinking, solve tough problems, accelerate innovation, stimulate interest in prevention science, and ultimately advance NIH’s core mission of turning discovery into health.
Through its Challenges, ODP awards cash prizes and other incentives for the most promising solutions and creative ideas from students, entrepreneurs, communities, and other groups who don’t typically participate in NIH research activities.
Learn more about Challenges across the federal government.
Current Challenges and Prize Competitions
Beauty + Health: Youth Graphic Medicine Challenge
Submission deadline: April 2, 2026
Quit & Thrive Challenge: Community-Derived Solutions to Reduce Menthol Cigarette Smoking
This challenge is closed to submissions. Awards will be announced in March 2026.
Past Challenges and Prize Competitions
ODP Art Challenge: How Prevention Can Create Better Health for Everyone
ODP encouraged teens and young adults to share their ideas—through art—about how prevention can help improve the health of people in the United States, no matter who they are or where they live.
The winning artwork provides insight into some of the pressing health and equity issues young people are thinking about in their lives. Topics range from the importance of social support and community connections, vaccinations, and heart-healthy habits, to the benefits of community gardens and multilingual, inclusive health care.