Deadline Date: July 31, 2026
The Grand Challenge invites applications for innovative, field-ready solutions to strengthen decentralized pan-Orthoebolavirus diagnostics by addressing diagnostic gaps identified during the 2026 outbreak and improving preparedness for future outbreaks.
The initiative focuses on generating scientific foundations for next-generation diagnostic products through novel antigen targets, validated specimen types, and analytical reference data; accelerating the development of field-deployable diagnostic products suitable for settings without laboratory infrastructure or cold chain support; building population-level early warning systems using environmental, data-driven, or genomic approaches adapted to endemic-country infrastructure; and strengthening quality assurance and implementation systems to ensure decentralized viral hemorrhagic fever testing remains reliable, trusted, and sustainable between outbreaks.
The funding opportunity supports several research areas designed to improve diagnosis and outbreak response. Opportunity 1, Biomarkers, seeks innovations that improve test sensitivity and clinical usefulness by identifying new diagnostic signals. It offers funding between US$350,000 and US$750,000 for projects lasting 18 to 24 months. Opportunity 2, Specimen Innovations, supports the validation of alternative specimen types that can make testing safer and easier while reducing reliance on venipuncture. Projects under this category may receive between US$300,000 and US$600,000 for a duration of 18 to 24 months.
Opportunity 3, Diagnostic Products, funds the development of field-ready diagnostic tests that can be used where patients first seek healthcare. The opportunity provides funding ranging from US$300,000 to US$800,000 for projects lasting 24 to 36 months. Opportunity 5, Quality and Implementation, supports activities that improve the reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability of decentralized testing systems. Funding under this category ranges from US$150,000 to US$400,000 for projects with a duration of 18 to 24 months.
The initiative is open to research institutes, nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, international organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. Applications are particularly encouraged from institutions based in, or working closely with, organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or other Ebola virus disease-endemic countries. The call also encourages participation from investigators with prior experience in diagnostics for high-consequence pathogens, especially Orthoebolaviruses or other BSL-4-classified pathogens, as well as multi-institutional collaborations involving technology developers, accredited high-containment facilities, national reference laboratories, and clinical partners in endemic countries.
For more information, visit Gates Foundation.
