Grand Challenges — Cost-Reducing Innovations for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food
Funds global teams developing innovations in protein, lipids, packaging, and manufacturing that reduce the ex-factory unit cost of ready-to-use therapeutic food by at least 30%.
This grant is administered by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation under its Grand Challenges program. It funds innovations in food science, materials science, and manufacturing technology that can achieve a 30% or greater reduction in the ex-factory unit cost of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) — the primary treatment for severe acute malnutrition in children. The program is distinct from the …
Food science and manufacturing innovations to reduce RUTF ex-factory unit cost by at least 30% in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Approaches include: protein source diversification (e.g., locally available legumes, insects, single-cell proteins), lipid optimization (reducing expensive nut-based fats), packaging materials science (reducing multi-layer sachet cost), production technology (lower-capex manufacturing systems, co-production), and supply chain innovation (local procurement, decentralized production). Option A covers early-stage innovation validation; Option B covers advanced scale and implementation.
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