Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows (via Gates Foundation Grand Challenges)
Offered by Gates Foundation Grand Challenges
Overview
This is a Grand Challenges request for proposals from the Gates Foundation, co-funded with the Temasek Foundation and managed by the United Nations Foundation, seeking innovations that dramatically reduce the cost and complexity of pathogen genomic sequencing for public health use in low and middle income countries. The challenge prioritizes methodological breakthroughs over new hardware, and is implemented alongside the WHO hosted International Pathogen Surveillance Network, the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative and the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative. It targets sequencing workflows for viral genomes, malaria drug resistance, tuberculosis and other bacterial or antimicrobial resistant pathogens.
Eligibility
- Open to research institutes, nonprofits, for profit companies, international organizations, government agencies and academic institutions
- Individuals classified as individuals for U.S. tax purposes are not eligible
- Applicants must comply with the Gates Foundation's global access requirements
- Entities cannot be subject to UN sanctions or have ties to controversial weapons or tobacco production
- LMIC led projects are especially encouraged
Funding Purpose
Grant funds are meant to develop sequencing workflows that bring per sample cost down to roughly US $1 to $10 while keeping public health utility. Three funding tiers apply: Tier 1 (early stage) up to $300,000 over 24 months, Tier 2 (mid stage) up to $600,000 over 24 months, and Tier 3 (advanced) up to $800,000 over 36 months, with about 15 awards expected across all tiers.
Application Process
Applicants review the posted rules, guidelines, application instructions and FAQs on the Grand Challenges page. The application, including a milestone based workplan with budget justification, is submitted through the Gates Foundation's online submission portal.
How to Apply
- 1Click "Apply Now" above and submit your application directly on the official page.
- 2The offering organisation screens applications against its own eligibility criteria.
- 3Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a pitch or interview round.
- 4The final decision rests solely with the offering organisation.
- 5There is no guarantee of funding at any stage.
Before You Apply
- ZeedFund is an independent tracker, not the offering organisation or a funding body.
- Verify current eligibility, funding amount, and deadline on the official page before applying. Details can change after we last verified them.
- Once you apply, all follow-up (screening updates, interview or pitch invites, and the final decision) comes directly from the facilitator, incubator, or investor, never from ZeedFund. Check their application portal or email yourself for status updates; we won't have visibility into it.