Proposals for Transforming the Affordability of Key Maternal and Child Nutrition Products

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through Grand Challenges, invites innovative proposals that will transform the affordability of key maternal and child nutrition products. Despite strong scientific evidence supporting adequate nutrient intake during pregnancy and early childhood, many essential products remain inaccessible in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to high costs. This call seeks bold, transformative solutions, not incremental improvements, to develop exceptionally low-cost nutrient ingredients or products that can improve nutrition for mothers and children, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Award Amount and Duration

Option                    Focus Area                                                                                        Award Amount (USD)                      Duration

A                            Development of exceptionally low-cost                                         Up to $500,000                                    18 months                                                                                                   nutrient ingredients (Calcium, Choline, DHA)             

B                            Development of a low-cost prenatal supplement                          Up to $200,000                                    12 months                                                                                                    (UNIMMAP MMS + 500 mg/day Calcium)

C                           Development of an advanced prenatal supplement                        Up to $400,000                                   12 months                                                                                                    (MMSplus: UNIMMAP MMS + Calcium +                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Nicotinamide + Choline + DHA)

Eligibility

• This initiative is open globally to nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, international organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions.
• Innovators from nutrition, biotechnology, food technology, pharmaceuticals, and beyond are invited to apply.
• Only individuals who are applying through a legally recognized corporate entity are eligible.

 Key Dates

• Webinar: November 12, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:00 AM Pacific Time. Please register and submit your questions in advance
• Application Due Date: Dec 16, 2025, 11:30 am PST

 For more information on the call, kindly see attached or visit https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/challenge/accelerating-development-innovative-exceptionally-low-cost-maternal-and-child-nutrient

 All interested person(s) are to communicate their intention to submit an application to RID Grants Management Office at rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh for guidance and institutional support.