Mission Daybreak is a two-phase grand challenge.
Timeline
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.
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.