Longevity Design Challenge 2026-2027 :: British Society of Gerontology

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Longevity Design Challenge 2026-2027

“Human-Centered Robotics for Longevity” The Longevity Design Challenge is an annual innovation competition hosted by the Stanford Center on Longevity that is open to all undergraduate and graduate students globally. This year, students are invited to design solutions that explore how robotics can support longer lives while strengthening human connection.

Submission Deadline:
December 1, 2026.

How it works:

Students may submit a design for a robot that addresses the Challenge theme, Human-Centered Robotics for Longevity, online any time before December 1, 2026.

Join the Living Futures: Robotics for Longevity Ideathon on October 20-21, 2026 to learn more and develop a well-defined, research-backed problem statement.

6-8 Finalist teams will be announced on January 27, 2027.
Finalist teams are awarded:
$1K Finalist award.
Pairing with an experienced mentor.
Funding to travel to Stanford in April 2027 (conditions permitting) to present their design at the Finals, competing for the $10K first prize.
Participation in workshops, lab tours, and networking opportunities at Stanford.

Eligibility:

Students from all majors/fields of study are welcome to participate!
Each team must have at least one full-time undergraduate or graduate student who is enrolled during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Designs may be submitted solo (by one person). Teams may have up to 5 members.
Team members may be from different universities. Team members may also be non-students, but if the team is selected for the finals, only the student members may present at the final competition.

About “Human-Centered Robotics for Longevity”

This year's Longevity Design Challenge is a collaboration between the Stanford Center on Longevity and the Stanford Robotics Center. University students worldwide are invited to design simple, affordable robotic solutions that help people thrive across longer lives, in one of four areas: mobility and physical safety, caregiving and daily living, social connection and human interaction, or aging infrastructure. High-tech and low-tech approaches are equally welcome. The goal is not the most advanced robot, but the most impactful, especially for people with limited resources or access to emerging technologies. The challenge is not to remove people from care, connection, or community, but to imagine a future where robotics and human connection grow together.

For more information, visit: https://designchallenge.stanford.edu/

For questions, email: designchallenge@stanford.edu

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