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Longevity funding innovation prize: shaping the future of longevity research

A $20,000 prize for innovative approaches to increase longevity sector funding

01-Nov-2023

In the ever-evolving world of science and technology, the quest for longevity is taking centre stage. The potential to extend human life and enhance the quality of our later years is nothing short of transformative. But, as with many groundbreaking endeavours, longevity research has faced its share of challenges, primarily stemming from inadequate funding and support.

In response to this, a pioneering initiative has emerged, poised to bring about a fundamental shift in the funding landscape. Marat Karpeko, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, has introduced the Longevity Funding Innovation Prize, offering a generous award of $20,000 to those who can devise strategies that substantially boost financial backing in this vital sector.

The Challenge of Longevity Funding

The pursuit of longevity is not merely an abstract concept; it holds the potential to redefine our future. From extending healthy lifespans to combating age-related diseases, the possibilities are both tantalising and limitless. However, this realm of research has often been plagued by a perception problem, resulting in insufficient financial resources.

The Longevity Funding Innovation Prize seeks to address this challenge head-on by encouraging innovative and practical solutions that can translate into real-world support for longevity research.

Who Can Participate?

The eligibility criteria for this initiative are refreshingly inclusive. Whether you're an individual, part of a team, a business entity, a non-profit organisation, an academic institution, or even a governmental body, if you share a passion for the longevity industry and can contribute novel funding mechanisms, this prize is open to you. The aim is to gather a diverse array of ideas and strategies, fostering collaboration from all corners of society.

Key Submission Essentials

To qualify for this prestigious prize, entrants are required to submit a comprehensive proposal that includes:

  1. A Concise Executive Summary: The essence of your strategy, distilled into a clear and compelling overview.
  2. Pinpointing Target Donors: Identify the potential funding sources, be they high-net-worth individuals, government agencies, or charitable foundations.
  3. A Comprehensive Action Roadmap: Detail the steps necessary to put your strategy into action, ensuring it's both practical and achievable.
  4. Anticipated Outcomes: Explain the expected scale of potential funding that your strategy can attract.
  5. Risk Evaluation and Countermeasures: Consider the challenges and obstacles you may encounter and how you plan to mitigate them.

Judgement Criteria

A distinguished panel of experts will evaluate the submissions based on several key criteria:

  1. Originality and Novelty of the Funding Approach: Is your idea fresh and innovative, offering a unique perspective on attracting funding?
  2. Practicality and Near-Future Realisation: Can your strategy be implemented in the near future, making a tangible impact on longevity research?
  3. Expected Impact and Scale of Funds Drawn: What is the potential for your approach to generate substantial financial support?
  4. Long-Term Viability of the Funding Source: Does your proposal provide a sustainable source of funding, ensuring that longevity research thrives over time?
  5. Proactive Risk Management: Have you considered and addressed the potential risks and challenges that may arise?

Visionary Behind the Prize

The Longevity Funding Innovation Prize is made possible by the visionary sponsorship of Marat Karpeko. A seasoned entrepreneur and investor, Marat boasts a rich legacy of success, having been a co-founder of Wargaming, an award-winning online game developer, and InData Labs, a thriving data science and data engineering solutions company.

His academic pursuits in physics and computer science have further honed his expertise, with stints at renowned institutions like Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan, and Wharton. Marat's commitment to advancing the longevity industry shines through in his sponsorship of this groundbreaking initiative.

The Jury of Experts

The selection process will be overseen by a distinguished panel of experts, including:

  • Prof Andrea Maier from the National University of Singapore
  • Sergio Ruiz from Turn Bio and the Methuselah Foundation
  • Nathan Cheng from LBF and Healthspan Capital
  • Keith Comito from Lifespan.io
  • Adam Gries from Authentic
  • Ivan Morgunov from Longaevus Technologies

The experts will ensure that the winning strategy holds the promise of reshaping the future of longevity research.

Key Dates and Opportunities

The Longevity Funding Innovation Prize timeline is as follows:

  • Kick-Off: September 20, 2023
  • Proposal Closing: December 20, 2023
  • Evaluation Wrap-Up: February 20, 2024
  • Champion Unveiled: February 29, 2024

Outstanding proposals may have the chance to be published, showcasing their innovative approaches and potentially attracting additional support.

Join the Movement for Longevity

If you believe in the potential of this initiative to revolutionise longevity research and funding, now is the time to get involved. Collaborators and partners who are passionate about catalysing a shift in longevity funding are eagerly welcomed.

In a world where the possibilities of longevity are boundless, the Longevity Funding Innovation Prize represents a beacon of hope. By fostering innovative strategies to secure funding, this initiative has the power to transform the landscape of longevity research, bringing us closer to a future where longer, healthier lives are within reach for all.

For further details or to discuss potential partnerships, please visit the official website.

Mentioned in this article:

Click on resource name for more details.

Adam Gries

Serial entrepreneur and software engineer, founder of Vitalism

Andrea Maier

Oon Chiew Seng Professor in Medicine, Director, Centre for Healthy Longevity, NUS

Ivan Morgunov

CEO Longaevus technologies Ltd

Keith Comito

President at Life Extension Advocacy Foundation.

Marat Karpeko

Marat Karpeko is a COO and Business Development at Wargaming.net, Co-founder at Indata Labs

Nathan Cheng

Toronto based entrepreneur focused on solving aging in humans

Sergio Ruiz

Chief Operating Officer at Turn Biotechnologies.

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Longevity funding innovation prize: shaping the future of longevity research