Gates Foundation: Global Grand Challenges: Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows
This program is currently closed. The details below reflect the previous call and are for general information purposes only.
Sponsor’s Website
Visit the Gates Foundation website for more information about the Global Grand Challenges: Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows.
Internal Contacts
- Katie Harriman: katie.harriman@carleton.ca
- Heloise Emdon: heloise.emdon@carleton.ca
Potential applicants are also encouraged to discuss this funding opportunity with their Faculty Research Facilitator.
Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Internal cuResearch Approval Form | September 22, 2026 |
| Submission of application to the Gates Foundation | September 29, 2026 by 11:30 a.m. (PT) |
Overview
This program seeks innovative, affordable and simplified pathogen sequencing workflows designed for routine public health use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Proposed solutions should substantially reduce sequencing costs while maintaining accuracy, reliability and public health utility.
Rather than developing new sequencing hardware, proposals should focus on innovations in sequencing methodologies, assay design, workflow simplification, reagent chemistry and platform interoperability.
Priority applications include viral pathogens, tuberculosis, malaria, antimicrobial resistance surveillance and other public health-relevant sequencing use cases.
Value
Applicants may apply for one of three funding tiers:
- Tier 1: Early-Stage Feasibility Awards
Up to US$300,000 for projects of up to 24 months. - Tier 2: Mid-Stage Development Awards
Up to US$6000,000 for projects of up to 24 months. - Tier 3: Advanced Development and Validation Awards
Up to US$800,000 for projects of up to 36 months.
Indirect costs of 15% should be included in the budget.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Academic institutions
- Non-profit organizations
- For-profit companies
- Government agencies
- International organizations
- Research institutes
Grand Challenges encourages applications and consortia led by organizations in LMICs.
Webinar
Grand Challenges will host an applicant webinar to provide an overview of the funding opportunity and answer questions.
Submitting Your Application
- Submit an internal Approval Form through our central awards management database cuResearch. Consult the user’s manual for guidance.
- Submit an external application to Grand Challenges by following their submission guidelines.