Recognizing the potential of Veterans and military spouses as innovators and entrepreneurs, while also considering the unique health care needs to the military community, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, together with Johnson & Johnson Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, is proud to launch the two-part Veterans Lead QuickFire Challenge series.

The QuickFire Challenge platform aims to catalyze potentially ground-breaking science and solutions tackling some of the most challenging problems in health care. Johnson & Johnson would like for Veterans to submit potentially transformative health care ideas for the chance to receive up to $250,000 in grant funding and mentorship from the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, subject to the execution of the necessary documentation and award agreement.

U.S. Veterans & military spouses have substantially higher rates of business ownership than do non-Veterans/non-military spouse population[1].

To that end, the first challenge in the series – the Veterans Lead QuickFire Challenge: Innovations by Vets – launched in collaboration with Bunker Labs and invites U.S. Veteran innovators and military spouses to submit potentially groundbreaking healthcare ideas. Submit applications by August 20, 2021.

We also know that many Veterans face health care challenges at disproportionate rates compared with their civilian counterparts.[2] Veterans are significantly more likely to develop multiple chronic health conditions in their lifetime compared to non-Veterans.[3]

A second challenge, the Veterans Lead QuickFire Challenge: Innovations for Vets, invites innovators to submit potentially ground-breaking ideas that aim to directly address the unique health care needs of the military community including physical trauma management, respiratory health, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, vision loss, oncology and orthopedic and musculoskeletal disease. Submit applications by September 17, 2021.

For each challenge, the innovator(s) with the best science, technology, or potential solution will receive:

  • Up to a total of $250,000 in grant funding
  • Access to the Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS ecosystem
  • Mentorship from experts across the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies.[4]

Have an idea that could make a difference? Learn more and apply at jji.jnj/veterans.

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on part of VA.

[1] Heinz AJ, Freeman MA, Harpaz-Rotem I, Pietrzak RH. American Military Veteran Entrepreneurs: A Comprehensive Profile of Demographic, Service History, and Psychosocial Characteristics. Mil Psychol. 2017;29(6):513-523. doi: 10.1037/mil0000195. PMID: 29290645; PMCID: PMC5744891.

[2] Olenick, M., Flowers, M., & Diaz, V. J. (2015). US veterans and their unique issues: enhancing health care professional awareness. Advances in medical education and practice, 6, 635–639. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S89479

[3] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Multiple Chronic Conditions Among Veterans and Nonveterans: United States, 2015-2018.”

[4] Subject to the execution of the necessary documentation and award agreement

Tina McGrath is a QFC and Global Engagement senior manager at Johnson and Johnson Innovation, JLABS.

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11 Comments

  1. David, R. July 9, 2021 at 22:35

    I am a recently retired RN-navy veteran, and would love to give back things that could benefit fellow veterans. It sound like a great opportunity to brainstorm ideals at thls time of need.

  2. Barbie Smitz July 9, 2021 at 13:15

    Love the idea of new innovations but not to help advance big pharmaceuticals. I have a lot of ideas and am a RN with a Masters in Psychology, combat medic veteran but again not in the business of helping big Pharmaceuticals.

  3. George Platt July 9, 2021 at 00:21

    How do I know if you will steal my Idea or not. My idea could save a lot of lifes.

  4. Harry C Harlow July 8, 2021 at 13:10

    I’d apply if I knew how to??

  5. Jerry July 8, 2021 at 11:01

    This sounds absolutely exciting and innovative. Please provide a link to submit enrollment documents.

  6. AnnaMaria Cardinalli July 8, 2021 at 02:19

    Thank you so much for letting the community know about this opportunity!

  7. Christian Delagarza July 7, 2021 at 23:24

    How do I apply?

  8. william lsrry cox July 7, 2021 at 20:03

    I am very inrerested & thank you Using foods allergies disorders via elimination of those foods while further learnings via nutrient motoring has been a helpful tool as well while continuing, expanding my own education. Again, thank you ;-) Where do I apply?

  9. Gina Arlowe July 6, 2021 at 09:45

    I thank you for helping us ….Many of our vets could benefit from it…. Including myself.

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