CLARA Center of Excellence, a research centre that includes VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, announces a call for applications for the first edition of the international CLARA Young Innovator Award 2026 competition.

The competition is aimed at students and young researchers engaged in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, data science, healthcare, neuroscience, and related fields who would like to see their ideas have a real social impact.

This competition aims to support innovative digital solutions that can help improve the quality of life for an aging population, brain health, and the prevention or slowing of neurodegenerative diseases progression. You can submit research projects, practical applications, tools, and prototypes.

Winning projects will gain international visibility within the CLARA network, expert mentoring, and a financial reward.

Who can participate in the competition?

The following can apply:

  • BSc, MSc, and PhD students,
  • Postdocs and early-career academics,
  • young professionals from technology companies and startups.

The age limit is 35 years. However, there is also a separate category for applicants under 22 years of age. Applications can be submitted by individuals or small teams (max. 4 people).

What topics can be submitted?

Entries to the competition may include projects focused on, for example:

  • cognitive and physical health monitoring in older adults,
  • application for monitoring memory, attention, and other cognitive functions,
  • tools for aging research,
  • platforms supporting intergenerational collaboration and learning,
  • applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare,
  • software solutions supporting research into neurodegenerative diseases.

Priority is given to projects providing real-world applicability and societal impact.

What the winners will receive?

The best projects in each category (under 35 and under 22) will receive:

  • a financial reward of EUR 2,000,
  • expert mentoring from leading scientists and technology specialists,
  • assistance with further project development and its practical application,
  • support in submitting applications for international scientific and technology conferences,
  • presentation of the project within the international CLARA network.

Finalists will be invited to the award ceremony at the Prague International Health Summit (May 21–22, 2026).

How to apply?

The deadline for applications is 15 March 2026. Submit your project proposal to the following email address: clara@indrc.cz. For more information, see here.