Dear Partners,
We are pleased to share an important new Call for Innovations launched jointly by UNICEF, WHO, FAO, WFP, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This call seeks groundbreaking solutions capable of reducing the production cost of Ready‑to‑Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) by at least 30%, with the aim of making lifesaving nutrition treatments more affordable and accessible across low‑ and middle‑income countries.
Applicants are invited to propose innovations that demonstrate a minimum 30% reduction in total RUTF production cost. Innovations may address (but are not limited to):
- New protein systems or diversification of protein sources
- Optimization of lipids and fat systems
- Novel packaging materials or formats
- Manufacturing and process engineering improvements
- Alternative ingredients with validated nutritional and functional performance
Supply chain efficiencies associated with production
All proposals must include detailed cost‑modelling, evidence of technical feasibility, Codex compliance, stability, and a clear scalability pathway. Candidates must also demonstrate a regulatory plan; however, clinical trials and purely policy‑driven projects are not eligible.
Why is this relevant for lebanese universities ?
The program encourages LMIC‑led consortia, creating an opportunity for teams in Lebanon to lead collaborations that combine scientific research, industrial know‑how, and practical implementation. Participating researchers and institutions can expand their international partnerships, strengthen their innovation pipelines, and contribute to a global public‑health challenge of high impact.
Funding Structure: Two funding windows are available.
- Window A: Up to USD 500,000 for projects of 18 months.
- Window B: Up to USD 1,500,000 for projects of 36 months.
Funding is intended to support applied research, prototype development, industrial testing, and scaling‑up efforts.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants include.
- Universities and research institutions
- NGOs
- RUTF manufacturers and food processors
- Technology and engineering firms
- Consortiums led by institutions in low‑ and middle‑income countries (encouraged)
Applicants should ideally experience in food technology, nutrition science, cost‑engineering, or large‑scale production.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: April 28, 2026
Information Webinar: March 30, 2026 (highly recommended for applicants)
Next Steps:
- Review the full call documentation available on the link above.
- Identify potential partners in food science, engineering, nutrition, biotechnology, or manufacturing—including industry or public‑sector collaborators.
- Develop an innovation concept and prepare the required cost-modelling, proof‑of‑concept, and feasibility evidence.
- Submit the proposal before the deadline.
- Please feel free to reach out if you would like support refining your concept or identifying relevant partners
