VA launched the Mission Daybreak grand challenge in 2022, which awarded $20 million to suicide prevention solutions that can meet the diverse needs of Veterans. The challenge unfolded in two phases.

Phase 1: Open submissions

Challenge launch

May 25, 2022
Phase 1 began and submissions opened.

Virtual information session

June 7, 2022
Solvers had the opportunity to learn more from VA leadership, get an overview of challenge details, and participate in a Q&A with VA’s Mission Daybreak team.

Webinar: Veterans’ experiences

June 14, 2022
Solvers had the opportunity to hear from Veteran representatives as they discussed Veteran experiences, including the difficulties of transitioning from military to civilian life, what makes Veteran experiences unique, and meeting Veteran needs.

Webinar: Data and technology for suicide prevention

June 16, 2022
Solvers had the opportunity to hear from experts in suicide prevention, data, and privacy about how to use technology and data in support of mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.

Submission deadline

July 8, 2022
Solvers were required to submit detailed concepts by 4:59 p.m. EDT.

Judging

July-August 2022
Expert reviewers and judges assessed submissions based on the Phase 1 evaluation criteria.

Winner announcement

September 2022
Mission Daybreak awarded $8.5 million in Phase 1 prizes: 30 finalists each received $250,000 and advanced to Phase 2; an additional 10 teams each received a Promise Award of $100,000.

Phase 2: Accelerator

Accelerator kickoff

September 2022
30 finalist teams spent eight weeks advancing their solutions. Finalists received access to data, research, mentorship, partnership opportunities, and other tailored resources.

Submissions close

October 28, 2022
Finalists were required to submit refined solutions by 4:59 p.m. EDT.

Demo day

November 2022
Finalists presented their solutions at a live pitch event.

Judging

November 2022
A panel of expert judges assessed finalist submissions based on the Phase 2 evaluation criteria.

Winner announcement

February 2023
The Mission Daybreak grand challenge awarded $11.5 million in Phase 2 prizes: Two first-place winners each received $3 million, three second-place winners each received $1 million, and five third-place winners each received $500,000.

Are you a Veteran having thoughts of suicide or concerned about one?
Contact the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential 24/7 support: Dial 988 then press 1, text to 838255, or chat online.