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Global Grand Challenges -- Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows

Gates (Bill & Melinda) Foundation

This Grand Challenge is co-funded by the Gates Foundation, and the Temasek Foundation, and will be managed by the United Nations Foundation. This Grand Challenge is implemented in collaboration with a network of global and regional partners, including International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), and the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) as regional technical and public-health partners. This RFP aims to accelerate the development of affordable, scalable, and operationally simple sequencing solutions, enabling routine use of genomics for public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

We are seeking ideas that substantially lower the cost and complexity of pathogen sequencing for at least one priority pathogen or use case in Table 1 . The primary objective is to drive the total sample-to-sequence cost to approximately US$1–10 per sample, while remaining fit for public-health use.

Rather than developing new sequencing hardware, this call prioritizes sequencing methodology and workflow that enables existing sequencing platforms (including, but not limited to, Illumina, Oxford Nanopore Technology, MGI/BGI, and other sequencers) to be used more affordably, reliably, and at scale. Proposed solutions should be adaptable across pathogens and platforms and explicitly designed for routine deployment in LMIC public-health laboratories (see Table 2 ).

We are especially interested in transformative approaches that rethink the sequencing workflow itself. At a minimum, a competitive workflow should be built on a shared laboratory backbone, complemented by interchangeable primer panels or assay modules that can be adapted quickly to different pathogens, programs, or surveillance objectives. Strong proposals will set out a clear roadmap showing how the workflow reduces protocol heterogeneity and lets laboratories pivot between pathogens without substantial retooling, retraining, or redesign.

Deadline: Sep. 29, 2026

Specialties

Medical

Medical - Clinical Science

Social Sciences

Medical - Basic Science

Medical - Translational

Eligibility Requirements

This opportunity is open to research institutes, nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, international organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. Please note that all applicants will be expected to comply with the Gates Foundation's global access requirements . We encourage projects and/or consortia applications led by applicants from LMICs. Individuals and organizations classified as individuals for U.S. tax purposes are not eligible to receive an award under this RFP.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Gates (Bill & Melinda) Foundation

Sponsor Type:

Address: 2099 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Suite 200 Washington DC 20006 USA

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