The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has issued the “Wearable Alcohol Biosensor” Challenge in the search for a wearable or otherwise discreet device capable of measuring blood alcohol levels in real time.

 

An improved wearable biosensor would aid researchers and clinicians by providing more accurate data on how much study participants and patients are drinking. The winning prototype is expected to improve on existing technology by providing real-time monitoring in an appealing and inconspicuous package. 

 

Competition submissions (a working prototype, data proving functionality/reliability, and photos/videos) will be accepted until December 1, 2015. Judging is expected to begin in January 2016, with winners announced on or after February 15, 2016. The first prize winner will be awarded $200,000; second prize receives $100,000.

 

For more contest details, go to the Federal Register announcement. The competition contact is M. Katherine Jung, Ph.D., Program Director, NIAAA Division of Metabolism and Health Effects: Kathy.jung@nih.gov.