Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses present an urgent public health challenge. We need all hands on deck for coordinated public health efforts to address the real threat these diseases pose. Developing new and better ways to address these diseases is crucial—but real advancement cannot occur in a vacuum and partnerships can accelerate progress.
Together, Redefining the Lyme Status Quo
2026 Initiatives Now Live: Help Shape the Future of Lyme Innovation
LymeX Partnership renewed in 2025. For the first time in four years, LymeX is opening the door to the public. Join our new challenge sprints and turn data into solutions.
Current Initiatives
SUBMISSIONS OPEN
TOPx HHS Tech Sprint
Use AI to turn fragmented signals into trusted insights for invisible illnesses.
About
The TOPx HHS Tech Sprint for AI and Invisible Illness is a two-phase national competition awarding up to $2,000,000 in total cash prizes. Using the proven TOPx Toolkit, this competition mobilizes U.S. industry, entrepreneurs, and technologists to transform federal open data into real-world AI solutions and high-impact digital tools. The goal is to turn fragmented signals into trusted insights, making "invisible" illnesses like Lyme disease and Long COVID visible and measurable for patients, clinicians, and the nation.
The TOPx HHS Tech Sprint for AI and Invisible Illness is a two-phase national competition awarding up to $2,000,000 in total cash prizes. Using the proven TOPx Toolkit, this competition mobilizes U.S. industry, entrepreneurs, and technologists to transform federal open data into real-world AI solutions and high-impact digital tools. The goal is to turn fragmented signals into trusted insights, making "invisible" illnesses like Lyme disease and Long COVID visible and measurable for patients, clinicians, and the nation.
Focus
Tech, AI, and Data Enthusiasts.
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Tech, AI, and Data Enthusiasts.
SUBMISSIONS OPEN
LymeX Healthathon
Crowdsourcing stories of hope and treatment protocols to CureID.
About
The LymeX Healthathon is a patient-centered effort awarding $250,000 in total prizes to turn lived experience into insights that improve care now. Patients, caregivers, and clinicians are invited to turn their shared stories into actionable insights that help the nation navigate the challenges of Lyme disease.
The LymeX Healthathon is a patient-centered effort awarding $250,000 in total prizes to turn lived experience into insights that improve care now. Patients, caregivers, and clinicians are invited to turn their shared stories into actionable insights that help the nation navigate the challenges of Lyme disease.
Focus
Patients, Caregivers, and Clinicians.
Learn More
Patients, Caregivers, and Clinicians.
SUBMISSIONS OPEN
LymeX Visible Voices Prize
The first open call for diagnostics-related innovation since 2022.
About
The $250,000 national competition improves clarity in Lyme disease diagnosis by developing clear, evidence-based materials for patients and clinicians. Participants will create resources that help patients and clinicians understand diagnosis and make informed decisions.
The $250,000 national competition improves clarity in Lyme disease diagnosis by developing clear, evidence-based materials for patients and clinicians. Participants will create resources that help patients and clinicians understand diagnosis and make informed decisions.
Focus
Diagnostics Awareness & Education.
Learn More
Diagnostics Awareness & Education.
SIX TEAMS IN PHASE 4
LymeX Diagnostics Prize
Advancing next-gen diagnostic tools.
About
A national competition to accelerate the development of diagnostics for accurately detecting active Lyme disease infections in people. The multiphase competition is nurturing the development of innovative solutions toward FDA review and clearance.
A national competition to accelerate the development of diagnostics for accurately detecting active Lyme disease infections in people. The multiphase competition is nurturing the development of innovative solutions toward FDA review and clearance.
Focus
Development of novel Lyme Disease diagnostics.
Learn More
Development of novel Lyme Disease diagnostics.
About the Lyme Innovation Accelerator
The Lyme Innovation Accelerator (LymeX), a partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, is the world’s largest public-private partnership for Lyme disease. LymeX is identifying, developing, and implementing advancements in Lyme disease care — including next-generation diagnostics.
