AI Discovery Award
AI Discovery by Nebius is an annual award for startups that are leveraging AI to revolutionize drug discovery, biotechnology, genomics and healthtech.
Our mission is to spotlight new technologies, foster collaboration between startups and potential investors and propel the next generation of breakthroughs in healthcare.
How it was last year
How it was last year
In 2025 we received 257 submissions, 103 have advanced to the semifinal following the first round of evaluations.
Our panel of 19 distinguished judges — including leaders from top industry organizations — selected top 3 nominees in each of four categories.
Award categories
BioPharma
Accelerating drug discovery with computational biology, molecular modeling, and AI-driven compound design.
Genomics
Advancing sequencing analysis with scalable workflows for variant detection and genomic insights.
Digital Health
Transforming clinical workflows with AI-powered patient interaction and real-world data intelligence.
Medical Devices
Enabling real-time AI for connected medical equipment and intelligent bedside systems.
Medical Imaging
Enhancing radiology and pathology with AI-driven image analysis and multimodal diagnostics.
Preliminary timeline
April 30, 2026
Applications submission deadline
May 15, 2026
Announcement of the semi-finalists
June, 2026
Final consideration
June-July, 2026
Official award ceremony
Winners receive
Who can apply
Each participant should have a legal entity, a functioning website, product MVP and GTM strategy.
Startups developing AI products in fields such as biopharma, genomics, medical devices, medical imaging.
Bootstrapped, self-funded and funded startups at any stage from pre-seed up to and including Series C.
Qualification criteria
AI-Powered
The product leverages advanced AI/ML models that require scalable GPU infrastructure for training, fine-tuning, or inference, effectively utilizing high-performance computing environments.
Technological innovation
The product or service advances the industry by introducing new capabilities or significant improvements.
Functionality and advantages
The product offers superior or unique functionality, providing a competitive edge and enhancing business processes.
Performance and efficiency
The product delivers measurable results with clear metrics or case studies, improving customer performance effectively.
Global impact
The product addresses unique needs and solves specific problems, creating meaningful value on a global scale.
Market potential and business sustainability
The product demonstrates strong market demand and long-term potential, ensuring growth opportunities and a sustainable competitive advantage.
Apply now
How Healthcare & Lifesciences leaders use Nebius solutions
See how HCLS leaders are overcoming compute challenges, these stories reveal the strategies shaping the future of the Healthcare & Lifesciences sector.
Nebius partners for Healthcare & Lifesciences
Our solutions for the Healthcare & Lifesciences industry go beyond products. Our partners are here to assist your organisation at every level to build and execute transformative AI strategies, products, and services.
FAQ
Applications submission deadline is on May 15, 2026.