Dear Partners,
We are pleased to share a new global funding opportunity launched by the World Health Organization and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, under the Grand Challenges program.
This call supports research and development of transformative diagnostic and screening tools capable of achieving near‑zero incremental cost per test and of functioning reliably under low‑resource LMIC conditions.
Eligible innovations may include novel sensing mechanisms, AI‑enabled diagnostics, modular hardware architectures, ultra‑low‑cost consumables, or platform technologies adaptable across multiple diseases. The call targets solutions applicable to major global health priorities such as tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, STIs, maternal and newborn health, anemia, enteric diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and emerging pathogens.
Applicants may propose platforms without prior disease‑specific validation if a credible adaptation pathway is provided. Solutions must emphasize scalability, operational simplicity, and feasibility for large‑scale real‑world deployment
Why is this relevant for Lebanese universities?
Lebanese universities are explicitly eligible for this call, as LMIC‑led proposals encouraged. It is an excellent opportunity to leverage existing strengths in biomedical engineering, AI for health, diagnostic technology, and low‑cost device innovation.
The program provides substantial support for developing scalable prototypes that can be implemented in LMIC settings—an area in which Lebanese researchers have strong expertise and active international collaborations. Participation also enables universities to build partnerships with WHO, the Gates Foundation, and global innovation networks, while strengthening institutional capacity in translational research and technology deployment for public health impact.
Eligibility
- Universities, research institutes, NGOs, for‑profit companies, and government bodies
- Lebanese universities are fully eligible
Women‑led and LMIC‑led proposals are strongly encouraged
Funding
- Up to USD 300,000 (early‑stage)
- Up to USD 500,000 (mid‑stage)
- Up to USD 1,000,000 (advanced platforms)
Duration: 24–36 months, depending on award track
Key Dates and Link
- Deadline: April 28, 2026
Contact: grandchallenges@gatesfoundation.org
Next Steps
- Review the full call on the Grand Challenges website
- Assess whether your diagnostic or AI‑based technologies meet the cost‑disruption and LMIC‑deployment criteria
- Identify internal teams in engineering, health sciences, or computational fields that can collaborate on a scalable prototype
- Ensure compliance with Gates Global Access requirements and assess IP considerations early
- Begin preparing the online application through the Grand Challenges submission portal
