Low-Cost Nutrients Challenge

The Low-Cost Nutrients Challenge, a funding opportunity under the Grand Challenges initiative, is hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This grant aims to address the pressing issue of malnutrition among mothers and children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The foundation seeks to support bold, transformative innovations that can drastically reduce the cost of essential nutrients—specifically calcium, choline, and DHA—to ensure access for vulnerable populations. The goal is to overcome the current barriers of high input costs, complex production methods, and limited manufacturing capacity in LMICs that keep lifesaving nutritional products out of reach for millions. The challenge is based on decades of nutritional research and global health guidelines. For example, WHO recommends calcium supplementation to reduce the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women, while DHA and choline are recognized for their critical roles in fetal brain and development. Despite established benefits, intake levels in LMICs remain low due to affordability and supply constraints. The grant calls for new approaches in ingredient development, product formulation, manufacturing methods, and packaging that could reduce costs by at least 50% without compromising safety or effectiveness. Applicants may submit proposals under one of three focus areas: (A) the development of low-cost nutrient ingredients; (B) the creation of a low-cost prenatal supplement incorporating calcium and UNIMMAP MMS; and (C) the development of an advanced prenatal supplement that includes calcium, choline, DHA, and nicotinamide. Each option has defined cost targets and technical requirements, such as adherence to GMP standards, demonstrated stability, and cultural inclusivity. Projects are expected to deliver measurable outcomes within 12 to 18 months and should include credible cost modeling and scale strategies. Funding for this challenge is structured according to the focus area. Option A offers up to $500,000 per ingredient for up to 18 months. Option B provides up to $200,000, and Option C offers up to $400,000, each for up to 12 months. Indirect costs must be included in the budget and are capped at 10-15%, per Gates Foundation policy. All proposals must justify their budgets in alignment with the proposed scope and deliverables. Eligibility is open globally to a wide range of entities including nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations. However, individuals must apply through a legally recognized corporate entity. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with LMIC partners and to incorporate consumer research to enhance usability, acceptability, and adherence. The application window opened on October 27, 2025, and closes on December 16, 2025. A webinar will be held on November 12, 2025, to provide further guidance and answer questions. Participation in this webinar is not mandatory but encouraged. The challenge does not fund incremental improvements, price negotiation strategies, or distribution-focused models lacking product innovation. All submissions must be completed through the designated portal following the guidelines and templates provided.

Emphasize transformative cost reduction, not incremental change. Include consumer-informed design and credible scale cost modeling. LMIC partnerships are strongly favored.