The Sepsis Research and Innovation (SRI) Challenge is a centerpiece of the annual Unite for Sepsis Symposium, presented by Sepsis Alliance, to be held in Washington D.C. on June 11-12, 2026.

This competitive showcase elevates early-stage research and emerging technologies with the potential to transform sepsis detection, treatment, and patient outcomes. Startups, academic teams, clinicians, and researchers are invited to submit their most promising innovations for consideration.

The SRI Challenge advances the next generation of sepsis solutions by: 

• Highlighting cutting-edge diagnostics, digital tools, therapeutics, and care innovations 

• Connecting innovators with healthcare leaders, researchers, investors, and industry 

• Accelerating translational science and implementation pathways 

• Positioning Sepsis Alliance as the national hub for sepsis innovation 

Please note: A representative from your project must be available to attend and present on June 11, 2026, if selected as a finalist.

If you have any questions or issues with your submission, please email Allison Strickland at astrickland@sepsis.org.

Entries for the SRI Challenge will be submitted through the SRI Challenge submission portal. All submissions to the SRI Challenge must be submitted by April 15, 2026. 

Eligible submissions will be reviewed by an expert panel composed of SRI sponsor representatives and 2–3 key opinion leaders in sepsis care, diagnostics, and innovation. 

The following awards will be offered: 

• The Paul and Debra Walker Award – $5,000

• Second Place Prize –  $2,500

• Third Place Prize –  $1,000

• People’s Choice Award (Determined by event attendees voting through the conference app) –  $500

To ensure clarity and consistency across submissions, applicants must submit a 1‑page proposal (maximum 500–600 words) structured as a concise innovation “pitch.” This format is designed for early‑stage ideas, emerging concepts, or in‑progress research, not full abstracts requiring completed data. 

Applicants should address the following prompts:

1. Problem Statement

Clearly define the specific issue, gap in knowledge, or unmet need your innovation addresses.

2. Proposed Solution / Idea

Describe your concept, technology, or research approach and how it directly addresses the identified problem.

3. Significance and Impact

Explain why this work matters, its potential benefits for sepsis care, and why it is timely.

4. Methodology

Briefly outline how the work will be carried out (research plan, development pathway, or implementation approach). Preliminary data may be included but is not required.

5. Closing Statement

Summarize the potential of your innovation and what makes it compelling. 

Applicants may include up to three references (not counted toward the word limit). Figures or supplemental materials are optional. 

The expert panel will review all submissions and select three finalists to advance to the live pitch session at Unite for Sepsis Symposium. 

Finalists receive:  

• Two comped registrations to the Unite for Sepsis Symposium
• A $1,000 travel stipend per team

Additional qualified applicants may be offered:

• Discounted registration
• Inclusion of their submissions on the conference platform for all attendees to view 

During a dedicated 60‑minute Innovation Session, the three finalists will present their research or technology live on stage: 

• Each finalist delivers a 10‑minute pitch 
• The expert panel conducts real-time scoring using a standardized rubric 
• Panelists engage finalists with 15 minutes of Q&A to assess feasibility, impact, and innovation 
• The panel deliberates and selects the winner(s)