Impact Funding Resources
This is a call for transformative innovation. We seek solutions that ensure every mother and child - regardless of where they live - can access the essential nutrients to survive and thrive.
Targeted interventions that improve maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy are essential for breaking the cycle of Malnutrition.
The nutrients we are particularly interested in are calcium, choline, and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (specifically docosahexaenoic acid – DHA).
Targeted interventions that improve maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy are essential for breaking the cycle of Malnutrition.
The nutrients we are particularly interested in are calcium, choline, and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (specifically docosahexaenoic acid – DHA).
End Date16 Dec 2025 Funding AmountUSD 200k to 500k Funding Resource TypeGrant
Funding ProviderGates Foundation (GF)
Grant
Gates Foundation (GF)
Targeted interventions that improve maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy are essential for breaking the cycle of Malnutrition.
The nutrients we are particularly interested in are calcium, choline, and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (specifically docosahexaenoic acid – DHA).
The Challenge
High input costs, complex production processes, and limited manufacturing capacity in LMICs keep the price of essential nutrient ingredients and products prohibitively high. As a result, millions of women and children cannot access proven, lifesaving interventions.
Focus Areas: Applicants may propose projects under one of the following options:
OPTION A DEVELOPMENT OF EXCEPTIONALLY LOW-COST NUTRIENT INGREDIENTS (CALCIUM, CHOLINE, DHA)
• ≥50% cost reduction compared to current lowest prices (CaCO₃ $2.1/kg, choline chloride $1.2/kg, algal DHA powder $52/kg, etc.)
• Must meet pharmacopeial standards and International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Q7 Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements
• Expected to be stable, allergen-free, culturally inclusive (vegetarian, halal, kosher), and taste neutral
OPTION B DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-COST PRENATAL SUPPLEMENT (UNIMMAP MMS + 500 MG/DAY CALCIUM)
• Target cost < US$2 per 180-day regimen
• Informed by consumer research (acceptability, usability, palatability)
• Demonstrated 3 month real-time and 6-month accelerated stability at ICH Q1 (Zone IVb)
• Ideally meet WHO GMP requirements
OPTION C DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADVANCED PRENATAL SUPPLEMENT (MMSPLUS: UNIMMAP MMS + 500 MG/DAY CALCIUM + 100 MG/DAY NICOTINAMIDE + 450 MG/DAY CHOLINE + 200 MG/DAY DHA)
• Multiple dosage forms or units acceptable (not limited to a single tablet)
• Informed by consumer research - Demonstrated 3 month real-time and 6-month accelerated stability at ICH Q1 (Zone IVb)
• Ideally meet WHO GMP requirements
ELIGIBILITY
This initiative is open globally to nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, international organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. We invite innovators from nutrition, biotechnology, food technology, pharmaceuticals, and beyond to apply. Only individuals who are applying through a legally recognized corporate entity are eligible.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Successful proposals will demonstrate bold thinking, technical rigor, and a pathway to scale. Specifically, we are seeking proposals that:
• Present transformative cost-reduction strategies, not incremental improvements, with a clear pathway to achieve ≥50% cost reduction.
• Provide specific steps and/or end-to-end solutions, including credible cost modeling at scale (e.g., 3 million regimens per year).
• Demonstrate technical feasibility with the ability to generate meaningful data within 12–18 months.
• Clearly outline team capabilities and expertise, with strong preference for collaborations involving LMIC partners.
• Include a justified budget, which will be reviewed for alignment with scope and deliverables.
• Consider and enable manufacturing in LMICs, ensuring cultural and dietary inclusivity (vegetarian, halal, kosher).
• Are informed by consumer research, addressing acceptability, usability, and adherence.
We encourage applicants to identify and build collaborations with organizations that bring complementary expertise. Where appropriate, the Foundation may facilitate connections among applicants working on related challenges.
