The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature
A global prize by Wellcome and Nature for groundbreaking interventions in mental health science, offering up to ₹9.52 crore for a winner and ₹2.38 crore for finalists, along with significant visibility and support.
- Funding amount
- ₹2.4Cr – ₹9.5Cr (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Wellcome (Foundation)
- Application deadline
- 15 Sept 2026
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science, run in partnership with Nature, is a prestigious global competition designed to accelerate transformative solutions for anxiety, depression, and psychosis. By identifying and rewarding the most innovative research teams, the prize aims to spur the development, adoption, and policy integration of effective mental health interventions. It also works to generate enthusiasm among policymakers, funders, and the public, driving greater investment and collaboration in this critical field.
Wellcome is a global charitable foundation focused on solving urgent health challenges, including mental health, infectious disease, and climate and health. Nature, through its Nature Awards initiatives, supports outstanding researchers and promotes real-world change beyond traditional publishing. Together, they leverage significant resources and platforms to elevate mental health science worldwide.
The competition is multi-stage and jury-judged, ensuring a thorough evaluation of each entry. Beyond financial backing, the prize offers unparalleled global visibility, strategic connections with key stakeholders, and practical support to navigate the complexities of accelerating adoption and integrating interventions into policy frameworks. The goal is to propel innovative mental health solutions from the lab into real-world impact that can transform lives.
Highlights
- Grand prize up to ₹9.52 crore
- Three finalist awards of ₹2.38 crore each
- Global visibility and networking
- Support for adoption and policy integration
- Open to all stages of research teams
- International applications welcome
Who can apply
The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science is open to research teams worldwide who are actively developing new, effective interventions for anxiety, depression, or psychosis. Eligible teams must be based at universities, research institutes, hospitals, government or not-for-profit organizations, or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including startups and company teams. There are no geographical restrictions, and applications are welcome from all countries.
The 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 The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature are open and the current deadline is 15 Sept 2026. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
This prize offers substantial financial backing, with one overall winner receiving US$1 million (approximately ₹9.52 crore) and three runners-up each awarded US$250,000 (approximately ₹2.38 crore). Beyond monetary support, successful teams gain:
- Global visibility through Wellcome and Nature's extensive platforms.
- Strategic connections with policymakers, funders, and key stakeholders.
- Practical support to accelerate adoption and integrate interventions into policy frameworks.
- Mentorship, investor access, and market entry support (from additional offerings). This comprehensive package is designed to propel innovative mental health solutions from research into real-world impact.
About the provider
The 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 multi-stage, jury-judged global competition. After submission, entries undergo rigorous screening and evaluation by an expert committee of leading scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and innovators. Shortlisted teams are identified based on novelty, scientific rigor, potential impact, and feasibility. These teams may be asked to provide more information or participate in in-depth interviews. Finalists are selected and announced, leading to a comprehensive review by a Grand Jury, which determines the sole winner. The entire process spans approximately 13 months.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to The 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
The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2.4Cr – ₹9.5Cr. 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 accelerate the development, adoption, and policy prioritization of effective interventions for anxiety, depression, and psychosis. It also seeks to generate enthusiasm for mental health science among policymakers, funders, and the public to encourage greater investment in research.
Who is eligible to apply for this prize?
The prize is open to research teams worldwide developing new, effective interventions for anxiety, depression, or psychosis. Eligible teams can be based at universities, research institutes, hospitals, government or not-for-profit organizations, or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including startups and companies.
What are the prize amounts?
One winning team will receive US$1 million (approximately ₹9.52 crore). Additionally, three finalists (runners-up) will each be awarded US$250,000 (approximately ₹2.38 crore).
Is there a geographical restriction for applicants?
No, applications are welcome from around the world. The program is explicitly international with no country restrictions.
What kind of support is offered beyond the financial prize?
Beyond financial backing, the prize provides significant global visibility through Wellcome and Nature's platforms, strategic connections with key stakeholders, and practical support to help winning interventions progress towards widespread adoption and successful policy integration. This includes elements like mentorship, investor access, and market entry support.
What is the application deadline?
The authoritative application deadline is September 15, 2026, at 5:30 AM IST, as indicated on the Submittable application portal.
How do I apply for the prize?
You must submit your application via the Submittable portal at https://natureawards.submittable.com/submit/9fffa425-3394-4f81-8a5f-dce0ae1a0309/the-wellcome-prize-for-mental-health-science-with-nature. Create an account, review the guidelines, prepare your proposal and supporting documents, and submit before the deadline.
Will the prize take equity or ownership in my project?
No, this is a prize competition, not an investment. The funding is a cash award with no equity or ownership stake taken by Wellcome or Nature.
What documents are typically needed in the application?
The application typically requires project proposals, team resumes, evidence of intervention development, and any supporting data or research. Specific requirements are detailed in the application guidelines on the Submittable portal.
When will I know if I am shortlisted?
Shortlisted applicants will be notified in April 2027, followed by the announcement of finalists in May 2027 and the winner in June 2027.
How much funding does The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature provide?
The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature provides ₹2.4Cr – ₹9.5Cr (range) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature?
The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature is offered by Wellcome, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Wellcome
Wellcome runs 2 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
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