Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature
A major global prize championing new interventions for anxiety, depression, and psychosis, offering up to US$1,000,000 (approx. ₹8.33 crore) to accelerate impact and policy prioritization.
- Funding amount
- ₹2.1Cr – ₹8.3Cr (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Wellcome (Foundation)
- Application deadline
- 18 Sept 2026
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature is a prestigious global competition that seeks to identify and support groundbreaking interventions for anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Launched in May 2026 by Wellcome (a global charitable foundation) and Nature (a leading scientific journal), the prize aims to transform the lives of individuals affected by these conditions. It focuses on interventions that are clinically grounded and have the potential for real-world application and systemic change. The prize is designed to generate public and political enthusiasm for mental health research, accelerate the development and adoption of new solutions, and ultimately drive improvements in global mental healthcare outcomes. Winning the prize provides not only significant funding but also global recognition and a platform to engage with policymakers and funders.
Highlights
- Grand prize of US$1,000,000 (approx. ₹8.33 crore)
- Three finalist prizes of US$250,000 (approx. ₹2.08 crore) each
- Equity-free funding – no ownership stake required
- Global eligibility for any team with a clinically-grounded intervention
- Focus on anxiety, depression, and psychosis
- Jointly awarded by Wellcome and Nature, providing global recognition
Who can apply
The prize is open to global teams affiliated with universities, research institutes, hospitals, government bodies, non-profit organizations, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including startups and health-tech companies. Applicants must be developing new, clinically-grounded interventions specifically targeting anxiety, depression, or psychosis. Indian teams meeting these criteria are fully eligible to apply. There are no restrictions based on stage, industry, or entity type, but the intervention must be scientifically sound and have clear potential for widespread adoption and policy influence.
Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Applications for Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature are open and the current deadline is 18 Sept 2026. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
The Wellcome Prize offers equity-free funding: one winning team receives a grand prize of US$1,000,000 (approximately ₹8.33 crore), and three finalist teams each receive US$250,000 (approximately ₹2.08 crore). Beyond the cash award, recipients gain immense global recognition, expert validation from Wellcome and Nature, and a platform to connect with policymakers and funders. This support is intended to accelerate the development, adoption, and policy prioritization of the interventions, helping them reach those in need more quickly and at scale.
About the provider
Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature is offered by Wellcome, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by Wellcome as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process is a rigorous multi-stage evaluation. Initial applications are screened by a panel of experts from Wellcome, Nature, and the mental health science community, assessing scientific merit, clinical grounding, and potential societal impact. Shortlisted teams undergo further evaluation, which may include providing additional details or participating in interviews. Finalists are selected based on demonstrated progress, robustness of the intervention, and capacity for widespread adoption and policy influence. The ultimate winner is chosen by a distinguished jury of leading figures in mental health, science, and public policy, based on overall excellence and transformative potential.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2.1Cr – ₹8.3Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary goal of the Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science?
The prize aims to champion new, effective interventions for anxiety, depression, and psychosis, accelerating their development, adoption, and policy prioritization, while generating enthusiasm for mental health science among diverse stakeholders.
Who is eligible to apply for this prize?
Eligible applicants include teams from universities, research institutes, hospitals, government or not-for-profit organizations, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and health-tech companies globally. The focus is on clinically-grounded interventions for specific mental health conditions: anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
Is the funding provided equity-free?
Yes, the Wellcome Prize provides equity-free funding. No equity stake is taken from the winning or finalist teams, allowing them to retain full ownership of their intellectual property and company.
What are the funding amounts for winners and finalists?
One winning team will receive US$1,000,000 (approximately ₹8.33 crore), and three finalist teams will each receive US$250,000 (approximately ₹2.08 crore). These amounts are provided as cash prizes to accelerate the impact and adoption of their work.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is September 18, 2026, at 23:59 UTC. This corresponds to September 19, 2026, at 05:29 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). Late submissions will not be considered.
How do I apply and what documents are needed?
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official Submittable portal linked on the Nature awards page. You will need to create an account or log in. Required information typically includes a detailed description of your intervention, evidence of its clinical grounding, a plan for development and adoption, and details about your team and organization. A strong application clearly articulates the problem addressed, novelty, potential impact, and scaling strategy.
What types of interventions are being sought?
The prize is looking for new, clinically-grounded interventions specifically targeting anxiety, depression, and psychosis. These can be scientific discoveries, technological innovations, or new approaches to care. The intervention must have potential for real-world application and systemic change.
What are the key dates after the deadline?
Shortlisted candidates will be notified around April 2027, finalists will be announced around May 2027, and the ultimate winner will be announced in June 2027.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature?
Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature is offered by Wellcome, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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