On August 26, leaders, innovators, and pioneers from around the world came together for the inaugural XPRIZE Healthspan Team Summit. This groundbreaking event marked a critical moment in the global effort to revolutionize the future of aging research. Hosted as part of the 11th Aging Research and Drug Discovery (ARDD) Meeting, the largest industry event in aging research attracted over 750 in-person attendees and more than 6,000 virtual participants. It was a unique opportunity for teams, scientists, and stakeholders to collaborate on innovations designed to extend healthspan and tackle the challenges of aging.

With over 435 teams from 53 countries already pre-registered for the $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan competition, this first team Summit allowed competitors to learn about the prize directly from, and ask questions to, the prize operations team. This competition challenges teams to develop therapeutic treatments that can restore muscle, cognitive, and immune functions by at least 10 years—and ideally 20 years—in people aged 50 to 80. A successful solution could transform not only individual health but also healthcare systems worldwide.

The Summit featured 24 distinguished speakers, including prominent scientists, members of the XPRIZE Healthspan Scientific Advisory Board, and investors in the longevity space. Together, they represented the cutting edge of research in aging and human health. Speakers addressed a wide range of topics, from recent breakthroughs in the field, to the technological and ethical considerations of extending human lifespan. Dr. Jamie Justice, Executive Vice President of Health at XPRIZE, encouraged attendees to engage deeply with the event:

“This Summit provides a unique opportunity to share knowledge, foster collaborations, and spark the innovative ideas that will shape the future of aging research. I encourage you all to engage in lively discussions – both in person and online – and to challenge assumptions and forge new partnerships that can accelerate our progress in this vital field.”

_{Regulatory, Ethics, and Safety Panel Discussion with Dr. Laura Goetz, Dr. Alexander (Zan) Fleming,
Dr. Alberto Aparicio, and Dr. Bart van Der Schueren.}

XPRIZE founder Peter H. Diamandis, MD, echoed these sentiments during his welcome address, highlighting the scope of XPRIZE’s vision for the future of health and innovation:

“In 30 years, we’ve launched 30 prizes with over $500 million in prize purses, achieving an impact of more than 30x on every dollar of our collective prizes in areas where accelerated innovation is crucial—including a rapidly aging population.”

In addition to the core competition, XPRIZE Healthspan also includes the $10 million FSHD (Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy) Bonus Prize. This prize encourages teams to develop therapeutics that demonstrate substantial improvement in muscle function for individuals affected by FSHD, a disease that progressively weakens muscles. Chip Wilson, founder of SOLVE FSHD, reflected on his motivation to support both the core competition and this bonus prize:

“Groundbreaking competitions like this one will inspire breakthrough ideas to accelerate much-needed innovation and give hope to a future where FSHD no longer defines the terms of anyone’s life.”

The XPRIZE Healthspan competition represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine how we age. With teams now pre-registered and Qualifying Submissions being developed, the Summit served as a launchpad for what promises to be an extraordinary journey toward extending healthy human aging. As more teams join the effort and solutions begin to take shape, the impact of this competition could reach every corner of the globe.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Justice captured the inspiration and drive fostered at the Summit: 

“As we return to our respective institutions, companies, and laboratories, let's carry with us the energy and inspiration from our first XPRIZE Healthspan Team Summit. By joining this competition, our collective efforts have the potential to reshape the trajectory of human health and longevity.”

For those who missed the Summit, a recording of the speaker presentations can be viewed on YouTube and presentation slides can be accessed via the Resources page of the XPRIZE Healthspan website. Primary registration for both the $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan competition and the $10 million FSHD Bonus Prize is now open—join the mission to transform the future of aging today here. 

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XPRIZE Healthspan is offered with support from Co-Title Sponsors Hevolution Foundation and Chip Wilson, founder and chairman of SOLVE FSHD, in addition to contributions from benefactors including Christian Angermayer, Carl B. Barney, the Blundy Family, Kas Bordier, Peter H. Diamandis, Charlie and Lorie Epstein, the Eleanor and Howard Morgan Family Foundation, Dana and Rob Hamwee, Daniel Krizek, Nancy and Howard Marks, Chris Ouwinga, Christian Peneff, SeneGence, Mark S. Siegel, Todd and Karen Wanek, Sergey Young, and an anonymous donor. Global scientific advisors, including the Scientific Director at National Institute on Aging, Senior Scientific Director at American Federation for Aging Research, Director of the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center, and Head of Clinical Medicine at University of Cambridge, have helped inform the prize design and will advise in various capacities throughout the competition.

THE AUTHOR