The Biden administration wants people to still wear their masks due to the lingering coronavirus and has launched a $500,000 contest where inventors are asked to create and design masks that can be effective and worn every day.
“We know that properly and consistently worn face masks help reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections, but many people are reluctant to wear them for a variety of reasons,” Nikki Bratcher-Bowman, HHS acting Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, said in a press release on Wednesday. “With this mask challenge, we want to get people across the country involved in developing new masks that are both effective and comfortable. This will help us control COVID-19 and be better prepared for future public health emergencies.”
According to Complex, the design challenge is a partnership between the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which started on Wednesday.
The administration wants inventors to create new designs that meet its specific criteria. For the first phase, each participant is asked to explain how their design meets the requirements and “solves the hurdles to mask-wearing.”
Ten winners will be selected and will split a haul of $100,000. Entries for the first phase of the challenge can be submitted starting April 21, at 5 pm (EST).
As for the second phase, participants of the contest will pitch their prototypes that utilize research on the filtration efficiency of materials, which should also meet the criteria set out, including filtration, fit, comfort, and large-scale manufacturing.
Five winners will be chosen from this stage of the contest and will split the $400,000 reward. The winners will also get access to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority resources in finishing prototypes.
Last month, Biden’s administration announced an investment of $10 billion that will go towards expanding nationwide access to the coronavirus vaccine with hopes that by May 1, the vaccine will be open to all eligible participants regardless of phase groupings.
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