ACL Launches Phase 1 of Caregiver AI Prize Competition

National challenge seeks responsible AI solutions to strengthen caregiving at home

WASHINGTON—FEBRUARY 5, 2026— The Administration for Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), today launched Phase 1 of the ACL Caregiver AI Prize Competition, a national challenge designed to support caregivers and the caregiving workforce through responsible uses of artificial intelligence (AI).

Announced in November by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the competition aims to catalyze practical AI solutions that reduce caregiver burden while protecting against biased, unsafe or harmful uses of the technology.

The prize challenge calls on technology innovators to partner with caregivers, home care providers, and organizations in aging and disability networks to develop tools that strengthen care at home and in the community. The effort builds on federal AI initiatives including National Institute on Aging’s Artificial Intelligence Technology Collaboratories for Aging Research and Small Business Innovation Research portfolios.

"HHS is leading AI adoption across settings of care," said Deputy Health and Human Services Secretary Jim O’Neill. "We challenge innovators to help improve the quality of care across our nation. I look forward to seeing the submissions."

Federal leaders recently highlighted the competition at CES 2026 and during a joint virtual meeting of the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council and Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

"Through this prize competition, we aim to identify technologies that empower caregivers, reduce caregiver burnout which can result in unintentional neglect, and expand access to high-quality care at home," said Acting Administration for Community Living Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging Mary Lazare. "ACL is committed to advancing scalable, practical solutions that improve the lives of the millions of Americans who give and receive care every day."

The competition will be run in three phases. Phase 1 participants will compete for up to $2.5 million in prize funding, with awards expected to go to as many as 20 winners.  Funding is intended to support the development of AI tools that strengthen caregiving and the caregiving workforce.

The challenge focuses on transformational uses of AI, including:

• Delivering on-demand support and training
• Monitoring well-being
• Automating processes and documentation so caregivers can focus on what matters most: the people in their care.

The competition includes two tracks:

• Track 1: AI caregiver tools that support family, friends, and/or the direct care workforce in providing safe, person-centered care at home.
• Track 2: AI caregiver workforce tools to help home care organizations improve efficiency, scheduling, and training.

More information about Phase 1 is available at Caregiver AI Prize Competition.