The ideal candidate for winning an AbbVie Biotech Innovators Award will meet the following criteria:

• Focused on science / technology with potential to generate transformational therapies in areas that align strategically with AbbVie’s therapeutic areas of interest (listed above)
• Developing the right therapeutic modality for the right patient at the right time, considering current and future competitive positioning and market fit 
• Companies must have their principal place of business in the United States or Canada or be willing to relocate
• Companies must not have a significant partnership with another large biopharmaceutical company. However, current, or prior recipients of similar awards sponsored by other pharmaceutical companies or lab spaces are eligible to apply
• Total equity funding raised must be less than $5M before receiving the Abbvie Biotech Innovators Award
• Companies must operate in the life sciences sector and have an impact on human health or therapeutic drug development

 
Exclusions: Devices, Diagnostics, Research Tools, Healthcare Services/IT, Cell therapy (auto/allo)

To submit your application, please complete the application form before February 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.EST.

In the application, please address the following:

• What is the scientific insight and approach driving your company?
• If successful, how would your therapeutic approach provide significant patient benefit beyond currently available treatment or other R&D stage programs?
• How would winning an AbbVie Biotech Innovators Award help your company?

Pitch deck guidance: 

Please submit no more than 12 slides

Include a brief history of your company, including:

• Your company’s mission statement
• Why and how the company was founded
• Management team and expertise
• What and why collaborating with a partner is critical to your success
• Explain the science behind the asset: 
  • The prioritized and potentially applicable uses
  • Unique scientific value-add – What differentiates your technology from other companies in the competitive landscape?
  • Relevant IP and publications – Include data supporting your science
  • Mitigation of risk: What are the potential pitfalls and key challenges and what is the plan to mitigate the risks?
  • What milestones and achievements – What do you expect to accomplish in the next 12 months
  • The key proof of non-confidential concept data – and/or experiment that will help you reach your next inflection point
  • Briefly describe your team – Their background, expertise, and how you will work together to achieve your near-term goals.
  • Your longer-term plans – For example, what milestones are you focused on achieving over the next 18 months and what is the financing needed to reach these goals?
  • The benefit of potential collaboration with AbbVie?

AbbVie leaders who are qualified scientific experts in respective fields, including specialties in scientific and/or medical research and business, will review all submissions. The following criteria will form application judging criteria:

• Fit relating to the research fields of oncology, immunology, neuroscience, obesity, eye care and aesthetics. Judges will also consider novel target(s) identification, drug delivery, discovery technology platforms, and translational research and development
• Quality of the scientific data, research plan and/or technology platform
• Potential to successfully achieve research milestones and program development
• Unmet need for the research in the relevant field. Is this research/program/technology addressing a critical medical need
• Readiness to move into the laboratory location within two to six months of being selected for the award