The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) is pleased to bring to the attention of the University community the Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize, a £6.25 million global challenge prize funded by Wellcome and delivered by Challenge Works. The Prize seeks innovative solutions that improve outcomes for people affected by snakebite in high-burden settings.

The Prize is looking for practical technological, social, logistical and systems-level innovations that can strengthen community responses, accelerate access to appropriate emergency care, or improve the delivery of treatment for people affected by snakebite. Solutions should have the potential to deliver near-term impact along the patient journey from snakebite to effective emergency care.

Entry Tracks

Applicants may enter under one of two tracks:

Launch Track: For new or early-stage ideas, including solutions adapted from other fields that require significant development or redesign for use in snakebite care.

Growth Track: For more mature solutions that have been tested, prototyped or partially implemented and are ready for further development, validation or scale-up.

 Funding and Support

Up to 15 finalist teams will receive funding and tailored support during a 10-month development phase:

• 10 Launch Track finalists: £75,000 each
• 5 Growth Track finalists: £100,000 each

Following the finalist phase, up to four winning teams will receive further funding:

• 2 Launch Track winners: £750,000 each
• 2 Growth Track winners: £1.75 million each

Finalists will also receive tailored mentorship, technical support, capacity building, networking and access to relevant partners and expertise.

 Eligibility

The opportunity is open globally to teams led by a legally incorporated organisation, including universities, research organisations, companies, nonprofits, charities and civil society organisations.

 Application Deadline

16 September 2026 at 12:00 noon UTC

For more information on the Prize visit the Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize page.. Interested applicants are kindly requested to inform RID of their intention to apply to enable institutional guidance and support. Please email rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh, with jobappiah@ug.edu.gh in copy, ahead of the deadline.