Next-Gen Mask Challenge

$1 Million

Prize Purse

The $1M Next-Gen Mask Challenge aims to reimagine protective face masks used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by making them more comfortable, functional, accessible, and even stylish. 

Overview

Understanding the Impact of Masks

The XPRIZE Next-Gen Mask Challenge will aid in the fight against COVID-19 by enhancing an effective solution: face masks. The next generation of masks will redefine the norm of mask-wearing behavior and help sustain crucial preventive health measures.

There’s only one way we’re going to beat this pandemic—by coming together as one humanity and drawing on the creativity and compassion of everyone, especially our incredible young people. By unleashing the amazing talent and vision of our youngest innovators, the XPRIZE Next-Gen Mask Challenge will help save lives, defeat this pandemic and deliver a healthier future for us all.

Marc Benioff

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Salesforce

The Challenge

Masks are effective in slowing and preventing the spread of COVID-19, but not all of us have adopted this preventive measure. Some masks are ill-fitting, uncomfortable, not breathable, and the most effective masks are often unavailable or expensive.

We need an alternative—face masks that are readily accessible and affordable, functional for our everyday lives, fit a wide variety of wearers, and are effective in protecting the wearer and the community.

These young creators from around the world give me hope. All of the most common problems associated with mask wearing are being solved by 15-24 year olds in the Next-Gen Mask Challenge who are inspired to make the world a better place.

Jim Cramer

Host of CNBC’s Mad Money

How to Win

The winning team will design a face mask that achieves the filtration efficacy on par with a surgical mask and overcomes the top five barriers to mask-wearing as defined by an XPRIZE-conducted survey.

Prize Activity

Prize timeline

Judges