Mission Daybreak is thrilled to announce that Amazon and Microsoft will serve as technology partners to the Phase 2 virtual accelerator program. They will provide access to key resources such as platform credits and technical assistance.

The accelerator is designed to help the 30 finalists develop ambitious but achievable roadmaps for prototyping, iteration, testing/validation, and evaluation. Over the course of eight weeks, the finalists will have access to:

  • Webinars, panels, and Q&A sessions. Virtual interactive learning modules from experts focusing on topics that are relevant to solution refinement and planning.
  • Mentorship. Access to expert mentors to ask questions and receive feedback throughout the accelerator.
  • Technology partner support. Access to resources from partners including Microsoft and Amazon, such as platform credits and technical assistance.
  • Exclusive data sets. Access to custom synthetic VA datasets to strengthen and refine solutions.
  • Networking opportunities. Opportunities to collaborate, share expertise, and learn from fellow cohort members.

With the exception of scheduled webinars, finalists will progress through the accelerator at their own pace. In November 2022, finalists will present their solutions to key stakeholders, investors, and partners at Demo Day, a live event.

Phase 2 to award $11.5 million in prizes

Following Demo Day, judges will evaluate submissions according to Phase 2 evaluation criteria.  Phase 2 will award $11.5 million in prizes: Two first-place winners will each receive $3 million, three second-place winners will each receive $1 million, and five third-place winners will each receive $500,000.

Following the challenge, VA may engage with some of the solutions through contracts, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), or other partnership vehicles.

Enter Mission Daybreak by July 8

To enter Mission Daybreak, solvers should submit detailed concept papers to Phase 1 by 4:59 p.m. EDT on July 8, 2022. Submissions will be evaluated based on the quality of the idea and its potential, not its maturity. 

Solvers should respond to the prompts in the challenge submission form and upload a concept paper that addresses each of the six content areas listed, including solution description, Veteran impact, evidence framework, implementation plan, needs identification, and team description. Entrants are encouraged to submit any solutions they believe can directly or indirectly address Veteran suicide, particularly ones that address the challenge focus areas.

Expert reviewers and a multidisciplinary panel of judges will assess submissions according to Phase 1 evaluation criteria. Phase 1 will award $8.5 million in prizes: 30 finalists will each receive $250,000 and advance to Phase 2, where they will gain exclusive access to accelerator resources. An additional 10 teams will each receive a Promise Award of $100,000. 

Submit a concept paper to Mission Daybreak by 4:59 p.m. EDT on July 8, 2022. All challenge questions should be sent to hello@missiondaybreak.net.