Mission Daybreak is a two-phase grand challenge.

Phase 1: Open submissions

Challenge launch

May 25, 2022
Phase 1 begins and submissions open.

Virtual information session

June 7, 2022
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
Hear from Veteran representations as they discuss 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
Listen to a discussion with 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
Eligible solvers must 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 awards $8.5 million in Phase 1 prizes: 30 finalists each receive $250,000 and advance to Phase 2. An additional 10 teams each receive a Promise Award of $100,000.

Phase 2: Accelerator

Accelerator kickoff

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

Submissions close

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

Demo day

November 2022
Finalist teams present 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.
We are here

Winner announcement

February 2023
Mission Daybreak awards $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.