
CAPTRS Challenges
Overview
CAPTRS Challenges are applied research initiatives designed to advance the science and practice of crisis preparedness through serious games and exercises. Each challenge convenes researchers, technologists, and practitioners to develop and test new methods, tools, and frameworks that improve how exercises are designed, executed, and evaluated. The focus is on real-world applicability. Submissions are expected to demonstrate measurable value in operational settings, supporting decision-making, coordination, and resilience across public health and emergency management contexts. Over time, CAPTRS Challenges create a growing body of evidence, reusable components, and validated approaches that contribute to a more scalable and effective global preparedness ecosystem.

Why This Matters
- Accelerating innovation through open, global participation
- Bridging research and operational practice
- Producing tools and methods that reduce the cost and complexity of exercise delivery
- Expanding access to high-quality preparedness capabilities
The goal is to move from isolated exercises to repeatable, data-informed systems that improve readiness over time.
Explore Challenges

2025 CAPTRS Challenge
November 13, 2025 - March 8, 2026