Deadline Date: December 16, 2025
The Grand Challenges initiative invites transformative innovations to ensure every mother and child can access essential nutrients to survive and thrive.
Focus Areas: Applicants may propose projects under one of the following options: Option A – Development of exceptionally low-cost nutrient ingredients (calcium, choline, DHA) with ≥50% cost reduction compared to current lowest prices (CaCO₃ $2.1/kg, choline chloride $1.2/kg, algal DHA powder $52/kg, etc.), meeting pharmacopeial standards and ICH Q7 GMP requirements, and expected to be stable, allergen-free, culturally inclusive (vegetarian, halal, kosher), and taste neutral. Option B – Development of a low-cost prenatal supplement (UNIMMAP MMS + 500 mg/day calcium) targeting a cost below US$2 per 180-day regimen, informed by consumer research (acceptability, usability, palatability), demonstrating 3-month real-time and 6-month accelerated stability at ICH Q1 (Zone IVb), and ideally meeting WHO GMP requirements. Option C – Development of an advanced prenatal supplement (MMSplus: UNIMMAP MMS + 500 mg/day calcium + 100 mg/day nicotinamide + 450 mg/day choline + 200 mg/day DHA) with multiple dosage forms acceptable, informed by consumer research, demonstrating 3-month real-time and 6-month accelerated stability at ICH Q1 (Zone IVb), and ideally meeting WHO GMP requirements.
The Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges program seeks bold, scalable, and sustainable innovations to dramatically lower the cost of essential nutrient ingredients and supplements while maintaining or improving quality, safety, and user acceptability. The initiative targets high-impact solutions that can achieve at least a 50% cost reduction through innovation across sourcing, formulation, manufacturing, and packaging. Each project should present a pathway to scale and demonstrate technical feasibility with meaningful data generation within 12–18 months.
Funding support varies by option: up to US$500,000 per ingredient for exceptionally low-cost nutrient development (18 months), up to US$200,000 for low-cost prenatal supplements (12 months), and up to US$400,000 for advanced prenatal supplements (12 months). Application budgets should align with proposed work scope, and indirect costs must not exceed 10–15% of the total award.
Eligibility is open globally to nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations, with applicants required to apply through a legally recognized corporate entity. The Foundation encourages collaborations that include LMIC partners and bring complementary expertise. Proposals must avoid focusing solely on price negotiation, stepwise improvements, or delivery models without innovation.
For more information, visit Gates Foundation.
