As our population ages, the incidence of bladder and prostate cancers (commonly known as Genitourinary or GU cancers) continues to increase. Newer, more effective and less-invasive treatment options must be made available to help meet the needs of patients living with these growing diseases.1
Despite recent therapeutic achievements, including systemic immunotherapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and next-generation robotic surgical tools, additional scientific discovery is needed. This unmet medical need is not just a challenge—it is an invitation to innovate, by harnessing the power of cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and bold thinking to potentially reshape the future of Urologic cancer treatment.
As we look to a future where every patient, regardless of their cancer’s complexity, finds an effective treatment, Johnson & Johnson, together with the American Urological Association (AUA), has launched the Unlocking Urologic Oncology Innovation QuickFire Challenge. Innovators from across the globe are invited to submit their transformative potential solutions to improve treatment and care of patients with Bladder and Prostate Cancers.
The innovators with the best idea(s) will have the opportunity to receive grant funding from a total pool of up to $300,000, virtual access to the Johnson & Johnson global incubator network, JLABS, and mentorship from experts across Johnson & Johnson.
Why this challenge matters to us
At Johnson & Johnson, we are committed to tackling the most critical healthcare challenges to improve patient care. Within the Genitourinary space, we recognize that Bladder and Prostate Cancers are impacting patients disproportionately.1
Building on our commitment to championing transformative innovation and our legacy of engagement with the American Urological Association, including as a founding member of the AUA Clinical Trial Consortium (AUACTC) and AUA Innovation Nexus Founders’ Circle advisory board, this QuickFire Challenge is an opportunity to support the next generation of innovation in urology.
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9992434/
What we’re looking for
Innovators from across the globe are invited to submit transformative potential solutions to help improve treatment and care of patients with Bladder and Prostate Cancers. Specific areas of interest include:
Therapeutics:
Treatment modalities that limit systemic and on-target, off-tumor toxicities, including local delivery
Provide organ-sparing treatment options for patients (with advanced disease)
Surgery:
Focal therapies including but not limited to local energy delivery
Technologies that improve upon endoscopic procedures such as trans urethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT)
Criteria
Potential solutions will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers on their ability to meet the following criteria:
Strategic alignment with QuickFire Challenge areas of focus
Potential impact for transforming treatment and care of patients with Bladder and Prostate Cancers
Consideration for enabling access across a range of healthcare settings including community clinics
Feasibility of the idea and supporting data
Demonstrated strong differentiation of potential solution and team’s approach
Team quality and capabilities
Awards:- The innovators with the best idea(s) will have the opportunity to receive grant funding from a total pool of up to $300,000, virtual access to the Johnson & Johnson global incubator network, JLABS, and mentorship from experts across Johnson & Johnson.
Deadline:- 03-10-2025
