Application Deadline:
3 July 2026
About Organisation
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is India’s premier biomedical research organization operating under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. As one of the world’s oldest and largest medical research institutions, ICMR plays a key role in promoting, coordinating, and advancing health research across the country. Through strategic partnerships and innovative funding initiatives, the organization supports research that addresses major public health challenges. The ICMR Gates Foundation Grand Challenge 2026 reflects its commitment to developing practical, evidence-based solutions that improve nutrition, health outcomes, and quality of life for vulnerable populations.
About the Grant
The ICMR Gates Foundation Grand Challenge 2026 seeks innovative solutions to combat anaemia among adolescent girls and women of reproductive age through nutrient-dense food products. The initiative aims to support the development of affordable, appealing, and scientifically effective food innovations that can be consumed daily. Proposals should focus on improving iron intake, enhancing consumer acceptance, ensuring nutritional efficacy, and enabling large-scale adoption. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate behavioural insights, attractive product design, sustainable delivery mechanisms, and market-oriented strategies. The grant intends to create scalable nutrition solutions capable of supporting national anaemia reduction efforts and long-term public health goals.
Who can Apply?
Applications are invited from academic institutions, research organizations, food industry companies, startups, and non-profit organizations working in nutrition, health, food science, product development, or community engagement. Eligible applicants should possess relevant expertise in areas such as food innovation, fortification, nutrition research, behavioural science, or public health. Collaborative proposals involving multiple stakeholders, including nutrition experts, food manufacturers, researchers, and behavioural specialists, are highly encouraged. Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to develop, test, and evaluate nutrient-dense food products intended for adolescent girls and women of reproductive age while ensuring feasibility, scalability, and measurable nutritional impact.
How to Apply?
Interested organizations should prepare a detailed proposal outlining their food product concept, nutritional strategy, target population, implementation approach, expected outcomes, and scalability potential. Applications should clearly demonstrate innovation, consumer appeal, nutritional effectiveness, and feasibility of deployment. Collaborative partnerships may strengthen proposals. All required documents and supporting information should be submitted according to the application guidelines before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The final date for submission of applications is 3 July 2026. Applications received after the deadline may not be considered for evaluation under this funding opportunity.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
