Masks are effective in slowing and preventing the spread of COVID-19, but not all of us have adopted this preventive measure. Some masks are ill-fitting, uncomfortable, not breathable, and the most effective masks are often unavailable or expensive.
We need an alternative—face masks that are readily accessible and affordable, functional for our everyday lives, fit a wide variety of wearers, and are effective in protecting the wearer and the community.
WE KNOW THAT WEARING A MASK IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO CURTAIL THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, YET MANY FIND MASKS UNDESIRABLE FOR MANY REASONS FROM COMFORT TO FASHION. THE MISSION OF THE NEXT-GEN MASK CHALLENGE IS TO RESOLVE THIS SITUATION.
PETER H. DIAMANDIS
XPRIZE Founder and Executive Chairman
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF MASKS
The XPRIZE Next-Gen Mask Challenge will aid in the fight against COVID-19 by enhancing an effective solution: face masks. The next generation of masks will redefine the norm of mask-wearing behavior and help sustain crucial preventive health measures.
The winning team will design a face mask that achieves the filtration efficacy on par with a surgical mask and overcomes the top five barriers to mask-wearing as defined by an XPRIZE-conducted survey.
The Next-Gen Mask Challenge teams will be composed of the next generation of innovators ages 15-24 from all around the world. Follow the Competing Teams at xprize.org/nextgenmask.
