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

Grand Challenges — Micronutrient Absorption Barriers in Fortified Foods

Funds global teams researching novel approaches to overcome infection, inflammation, and microbiome-related barriers that reduce the effectiveness of food fortification programs.

ClosedGates FoundationGlobal

This Grand Challenge is run by the Gates Foundation under its Grand Challenges program. It funds research that identifies and overcomes physiological barriers — chronic inflammation, gut microbiome disruption, environmental enteric dysfunction — that prevent food fortification programs from delivering micronutrients effectively in low-resource settings. Awards are up to $250,000 per project with a

Biomarkers for impaired micronutrient utilization, optimized fortificant formulations for inflammatory states, gut health restoration strategies, microbiome-modulating approaches, anti-inflammatory adjuncts, integrated interventions combining infection control and micronutrient delivery. Focus on iron, zinc, and fat-soluble vitamins.

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.18 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