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Grand Challenges — Ultralow-Cost Diagnostics and Screening for Low-Income Countries

Grand Challenges — Ultralow-Cost Diagnostics and Screening for Low-Income Countries

Funds global teams developing diagnostic devices and screening tools that cost approximately $1 per test or near-zero incremental cost per person screened for deployment in low-income countries.

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This Grand Challenge is run by the Gates Foundation under its Grand Challenges grant program. It funds development of diagnostic devices and consumable test kits that amortize capital to near-zero cost per screening event or hit approximately $1 per test — a step-change below the cost of current LMIC diagnostics. Awards range from $300,000 (proof-of-concept, up to 24 months) to $1,000,000 (mature

Ultralow-cost diagnostics for TB, HIV, malaria, STIs, maternal/newborn health, anemia, nutrition surveillance, enteric diseases, neglected tropical diseases, emerging pathogens, and diagnostic manufacturing innovations. Novel sensing modalities, software-defined diagnostics, AI-enabled and software-only approaches, and cross-sector platform technologies.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.17 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.24–36 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: gcgh.grandchallenges.org