---
title: "The Ready, Set…ID the Biothreat. A DHS S&T competition."
description: "CBRNe World provides those tasked with defending against CBRN and IED threats with the essential practical, scientific and political information. Access the current and previous issues of the magazine by registering as a member."
url: "https://cbrneworld.com/news/the-ready-set-id-the-biothreat-a-dhs-s-t-competition"
date: "2026-09-21T22:49:43+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  The Ready, Set…ID the Biothreat. A DHS S&T competition.

 [Zoe Rutherford](#)

Author

21 September 2026

DHS S&T are seeking the development and demonstration of computational, artificially intelligent algorithms to detect known, novel, and unknown biological threats in environmental metagenomic datasets. The goal is to develop innovative algorithmic approaches capable of recognizing the fundamental hallmarks of biological threats of all types, ensuring the U.S. is protected against the known dangers of today and the unseen threats of tomorrow.

**Key Dates and Prizes**

- Opening date for submissions: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Closing date for submissions: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - 1200 EDT

The total cash prize pool is $999,990. The Challenge is open to all eligible individuals over the age of 18 who are U.S. Citizens or legal permanent residents at the time of submission, and to all legal U.S. incorporated entities whose primary place of business is in the U.S.

The Challenge will take place in three stages. In the first stage, up to ten finalists will be selected to win up to $10,000 each and advance to the second stage.

In Stage 2, up to three finalists will receive up to $75,000 each and advance to Stage 3.

In the third stage, finalists will compete for:

- Grand prize winner: Up to $450,000
- Runner up finisher: Up to $150,000
- Honorable mentions: Up to $74,990

**How to Apply**

Review the full rules, terms, and conditions for eligibility and guidelines for making a submission.

You must apply by submitting your solution on [DHS | OIP Portal](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Foip.dhs.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjamie.philpotts%40hq.dhs.gov%7C424715961f634e34590d08df09e126a1%7C3ccde76c946d4a12bb7afc9d0842354a%7C0%7C0%7C639240535137497079%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vOwfr6OSU9J35rR6BMba%2F%2BIj1uEnGycjp2d%2FrYAZz8Q%3D&reserved=0)

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