Announcing the BLUE KNIGHT Resident QuickFire Challenge: Promoting Pivotal Progress

October 2nd, 2024 (Johnson & Johnson) – Johnson & Johnson Innovation, together with the Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority (BARDA), are proud to announce the BLUE KNIGHT™ QuickFire Challenge: Promoting Pivotal Progress. This challenge is the fourth in a series of QuickFire Challenge opportunities for current or alumni Blue Knight residents.

BLUE KNIGHT™ is a joint initiative between Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS) and BARDA, part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This collaboration is dedicated to anticipating potential health security threats, activating the global innovation community, and amplifying scientific and technological advancements with the aim to prepare for and respond to our rapidly evolving global health environment.

Innovators in the life sciences sector navigating the commercialization journey may encounter obstacles. Establishing partnerships with other early-stage companies may help mitigate some challenges and may help accelerate the development of both technologies, enabling them to be rapidly deployed.

Applicants will have the opportunity to apply to one or both of the following tracks:

• Sole Contributor: Blue Knight residents (current or alumni companies) are invited to apply to accelerate their company’s potential solution.
• Partner: Blue Knight residents (current or alumni companies) who choose to collaborate with another Blue Knight or early-stage company (non-Blue Knight) in their submission may apply through a joint application submission. A Blue Knight resident must be the ‘lead applicant’ for each submission.

Residents interested in partnering with a Blue Knight company on a partner track application, are invited to complete this short form with company information and partnership goals. Current or alumni Blue Knight residents, will reach out directly to potential collaborators who complete the form if they see potential synergies between the interested company’s work and their innovative solutions.

Applicants who opt for the “Sole Contributor” track can potentially receive up to $250K in funding, while residents who submit through the “Partner” track can receive funding up to $400K.^* This QuickFire Challenge seeks to distribute award funding to a diverse group of Blue Knight residents (current or alumni).

Blue Knight residents (current or alumni), and their early-stage collaborators can learn more and apply by March 7, 2025, at https://jji.jnj/BKRQFC24.

^* _{Subject to terms and conditions of applicable Quickfire Challenge and execution of all relevant and necessary award agreements. Awardees are strongly encouraged to discuss the progress on their QuickFire award project scope during quarterly BARDA mentoring meetings and/or meetings with J&J.}

About Blue Knight

BLUE KNIGHT™ is a unique joint initiative between Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS) and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Blue Knight is dedicated to helping support the development of multi-use solutions with commercial and preparedness potential, aiming to anticipate future health security threats. For more information, visit https://jnjinnovation.com/jlabs/blue-knight.

About Johnson & Johnson Innovation

Johnson & Johnson Innovation works across the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors to accelerate early-stage, transformational solutions by catalyzing the best ideas, wherever they are in the world. We do this by harnessing our deep scientific capabilities coupled with a wide range of tools, including customized deal structures, company creation, incubation and startup services, capital investments and other innovative business models that aim to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs, scientists, and emerging companies. Our goal is to help life science and health technology innovations thrive through collaboration and partnership with the global ecosystem, so that together we can change the trajectory of human health. Meet our passionate team of science and technology experts and learn how to collaborate with us at www.jnjinnovation.com.