Gates Foundation Grand Challenges | Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows
Event details
| Date | 29.09.2026 |
| Category | Call for proposal |
Aim: This Grand Challenge seeks transformative innovations that reduce the cost and complexity of pathogen sequencing for routine public-health use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Proposed workflows should use existing sequencing platforms, provide a credible pathway toward a total sample-to-sequence cost of approximately USD 1-10 per sample, and simplify laboratory procedures while maintaining data quality and public-health utility.
Funding & Duration: Tier 1, up to $300K over 24 m; Tier 2, up to $600K over 24 m; Tier 3, up to $800K over 36 m
Eligibility: Academic institutions are eligible. LMIC-led projects and consortia are encouraged. Applicants must comply with Global Access requirements and support appropriate sharing and independent evaluation
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through the Grand Challenges portal and include a proposal of no more than 3 pages, together with a budget table and a 1-page budget narrative. Applicants should request funding commensurate with the maturity of the proposed approach. Indirect costs of 15% should be included in the budget. Upon registration, applicants may be asked to provide information on the organization's U.S. tax status; please contact the Research Office for assistance.
Deadline: 29 September 2026 (11:30 a.m. pacific time)
Further information
Funding & Duration: Tier 1, up to $300K over 24 m; Tier 2, up to $600K over 24 m; Tier 3, up to $800K over 36 m
Eligibility: Academic institutions are eligible. LMIC-led projects and consortia are encouraged. Applicants must comply with Global Access requirements and support appropriate sharing and independent evaluation
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through the Grand Challenges portal and include a proposal of no more than 3 pages, together with a budget table and a 1-page budget narrative. Applicants should request funding commensurate with the maturity of the proposed approach. Indirect costs of 15% should be included in the budget. Upon registration, applicants may be asked to provide information on the organization's U.S. tax status; please contact the Research Office for assistance.
Deadline: 29 September 2026 (11:30 a.m. pacific time)
Further information
- More information is available here
- For any other questions, please contact the Research Office
Practical information
- General public
- Free