HHS Expands TOPx Prize Pool to $3.8 Million, Announces $3.7 Million in TOPx prizes for AI Tools Addressing Lyme Disease and Invisible Illnesses

WASHINGTON, D.C.-NOVEMBER 9, 2026-The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced an expansion of the TOPx HHS Tech Sprint for AI and Invisible Illness prize pool from $2 million to $3.8 million, responding to strong public interest and the quality of submissions. Today's announcement recognizes 40 Phase 2 winners receiving $3.7 Million from the expanded prize pool for working prototypes that use AI and federal open data to address complex chronic conditions.

"Americans living with Lyme disease and other complex chronic illnesses deserve answers, and we are making their search a priority," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "Through the Lyme Disease Moonshot and TOPx, the Trump Administration is challenging scientists and innovators to turn AI and federal data into practical tools for patients and doctors. Our goal is clear: shorten the path to diagnosis, improve care, and help patients reclaim their health."

The competition received 171 submissions, with 46 teams selected to advance to Phase 2. Innovators developed practical tools designed to improve detection and care coordination and make the human and economic costs of illness more visible across three Challenge areas: Lyme Innovation, Invisible Illness, and Cost of Illness.

"Patients living with Lyme disease and other invisible illnesses deserve to be heard, taken seriously, and supported in their search for answers," said Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine. "TOPx challenges innovators to put AI and federal open data to work for these patients. These winning prototypes are a promising step toward tools that help patients navigate care and help clinicians better understand their needs."

The two $1 million Grand Prize winners are: LasaClinical: Reducing the Diagnostic Delay in Women's Health, and Health Worth. Five teams will receive First Place Prizes of $200,000 each, six will receive Second Place Prizes of $50,000 each, and 27 will receive Impact Awards of $15,000 each. An additional $50,000 in People's Choice Awards will be announced later this year following public voting and final approval.

"Patients and families need practical tools that help them navigate complex conditions and communicate their needs," said Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, Director of National Health Communications for the Office of the Surgeon General and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Policy. "TOPx brings lived experience, open data, and AI together to address those challenges. These winners have turned ideas into working prototypes designed to support better care coordination and make the costs of invisible illness more visible."

The TOPx Challenge is led by the HHS LymeX Innovation Accelerator in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health and the Federal Chief Data Officers Council. Submissions were reviewed through nonfederal expert evaluation and federal review using the published criteria.

This announcement advances priorities outlined in President Trump's Executive Order Eliminating Disease-Carrying Pests and Restoring Enjoyment of the Great Outdoors, which directs HHS to build on the Lyme Moonshot through prize competitions or research and development.

Explore TOPx submissions and participate in People's Choice voting at InvisibleIllness.Crowdicity.com. Learn more about HHS Lyme disease initiatives at HHS.gov/Lyme.