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

HHS announced the new $2 million competition back in November, aiming to support the 1 in 4 Americans serving as caregivers for older adults and people with disabilities.

According to a press release, the prize challenge calls on technology innovators to partner with caregivers 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.

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. 

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:

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

"We challenge innovators to help improve the quality of care across our nation. I look forward to seeing the submissions,” Deputy Health and Services Secretary Jim O’Neill said in a statement.