80%
survival when diagnosed early
2027 Lung Cancer
Innovation ChallengeRegistration is open
An international competition for middle and high school students to promote innovation, policy, and advocacy in lung cancer screening.
More than 1,000 students took part in 2026.
Formal registration closes January 15, 2027.
- $10,000
- First Place
- $5,000
- Second Place
- $2,000
- Third Place
Harvard Medical School photo: EgorovaSvetlana · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped and resized. Location photograph only; no Harvard endorsement implied.
Important dates for the 2027 Challenge
- Next
Challenge kickoff
- Next
Formal registration deadline
Registration form - Next
One-page proposal deadline
Proposal instructions - Next
Mentorship begins
- Next
In-depth metric report due
- Next
ALCSI Summit in Boston
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and the world.
12%
survival when diagnosed late
20%
of eligible adults screened
The ALCSI Innovation Challenge is an opportunity for students to learn about and advance the field of lung cancer screening. Students will develop and execute a project that addresses the question:
What innovative and impactful solution can I develop to raise awareness for lung cancer and get as many people screened for lung cancer as possible?
How the Challenge runs
Work with community leaders, healthcare experts, and researchers to develop and carry out your project.
November 2026July 2027
Phase 1Phase 2Phase 3
Learn from lung cancer survivors, advocates, physicians, and researchers. Submit a one-page proposal for your project.
- Innovation Challenge Kickoff
- Survivor & Advocate Panel
- Medical Student Panel
- Formal registration deadlineDeadline
- How to Innovate Workshop and Office Hours
- One-page proposal deadlineDeadline
- Distinguished Lecture Series
Carry out your project with an ALCSI mentor. Submit an in-depth report on its impact.
- Project feedback and mentorship
- Month 1 update
- Distinguished Lecture Series Session
- Month 2 update
- College & Medical Student Panel
- Innovation Challenge Office Hours
- In-Depth Metric Report dueDeadline
Finalists present their projects at the ALCSI Summit in Boston. Join lectures, a survivor panel, and a surgical skills lab.
- ALCSI Summit in Boston
- $10,000
- First Place
- $5,000
- Second Place
- $2,000
- Third Place
Celebrating the 2026 Innovation Challenge
The inaugural ALCSI Lung Cancer Innovation Challenge brought together more than 1,000 middle and high school students from around the world to develop creative solutions focused on increasing awareness of lung cancer screening and early detection. At the 2026 ALCSI Summit in Boston, 10 finalist teams presented their projects, with first, second, and third place prizes and the Audience Favorite Award recognizing four projects.
- 1,000+
- students from around the world
- 10
- finalist teams
- 4
- awards
- $17,000
- in prizes for the top three teams
2026 winners
Meet the winning teams and explore their projects from the 2026 Lung Cancer Innovation Challenge.
About ALCSI
The American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (ALCSI) is an international organization dedicated to spreading lung cancer screening awareness.
About ALCSISupporting institutions
Frequently asked questions
Have a question? Email us.
General
Do I have to finance my own travel expenses to and from the final summit?
Financial aid information will be shared closer to the time of the summit.
How early can I submit my one-page project proposal?
Submissions are open now! You can submit as early as you would like. The final deadline for one-page proposals is February 1, 2027.
How do I win the Innovation Challenge?
Students will be evaluated based on scalability, innovation, cost, impact, and subject knowledge (see rubric for details).
Can age groups other than high-schoolers and middle-schoolers participate?
While we are currently looking to expand the Challenge to also include college-aged students, this year only middle school and high school students are eligible to participate in the LCIC. College students are encouraged to join or start an ALCSI chapter at their university (contact info@alcsi.org for details).
Getting Screened
What happens during a CT scan?
You lie flat on a table that moves slowly into a ring-shaped scanner. The scanner captures a series of X-ray images from various directions. A computer then processes these images to create clear, detailed cross-sections of your lungs. The scan is quick, usually lasting around two minutes, and does not cause any pain.
How do I prepare for a lung CT?
1. You do not need to change your eating habits or fast beforehand. 2. Choose loose, comfortable clothing and avoid items with metal such as zippers, buttons, or jewelry. 3. Inform your doctor if you: a. Are pregnant or believe you could be. b. Have a history of lung conditions or have had lung surgery. 4. Plan to arrive a little early so you have time to complete forms and ask any questions. 5. Remain as still as possible during the scan, as movement can affect image quality.
How often should I get screened?
If you are eligible based on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, lung cancer screening should occur annually. However, follow-up imaging at a shorter interval (e.g., 3 or 6 months) may be recommended by a physician if a suspicious nodule is found.
Registration
is open
Formal registration for the 2027 Lung Cancer Innovation Challenge closes January 15, 2027.
Register