ICMR – Gates Foundation Grand Challenge: Development of Aspirational Nutrient-Dense Food Products for Adolescent Girls and Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) to Prevent Anaemia
By Indian Council of Medical Research
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Quick Answer
This Grand Challenge by ICMR and Gates Foundation seeks innovative nutrient-dense food products to combat anaemia in adolescent girls and women of reproductive age in India, offering grants up to ₹1 Crore for prototype development.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1 Cr
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 15 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Indian Council of Medical Research. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Grand Challenge addresses the critical public health issue of anaemia in adolescent girls and women of reproductive age in India, a persistent challenge despite existing supplementation programs. Anaemia has significant consequences for maternal and child health, productivity, and overall well-being. This initiative aims to bridge the nutritional gap by fostering innovation in food product development. ICMR, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, invites researchers, food manufacturers, and startups to develop novel, culturally appropriate, and highly acceptable nutrient-dense food products. These products are envisioned as a sustainable and scalable dietary intervention to complement existing public health strategies, moving beyond traditional iron-folate supplementation alone to integrate essential micronutrients into daily diets. The ultimate goal is to create a portfolio of consumer-friendly food solutions that can significantly contribute to reducing the burden of anaemia across India, thereby improving health outcomes for a crucial demographic. This program underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together nutrition science, food technology, and behavioral insights to achieve impactful results in public health.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Grant providers
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It periodically…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹1 Cr
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The selected proposals will receive a grant of up to ₹1 Crore per project, designed to cover the costs associated with a 1-year prototype-development phase. This non-dilutive funding will enable awardees to conduct essential research, procure raw materials, develop prototypes, and undertake preliminary testing for sensory quality, consumer acceptability, nutritional stability, and shelf life. Beyond the financial support, the program offers the unique benefit of working under the guidance of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), providing access to their vast scientific network and expertise. Successful projects will not only contribute to a significant public health challenge but also gain visibility and potential for future scale-up, positioning the innovations for broader adoption and impact across India. The program emphasizes evidence-based development, ensuring that the prototypes are rigorously evaluated to meet nutritional goals and practical consumption patterns.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 12 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for the ICMR – Gates Foundation Grand Challenge will undergo a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process designed to identify the most innovative and impactful proposals. Initially, all submitted proposals will be screened for completeness and adherence to the specified format and eligibility criteria. Following this, a technical review committee comprising experts in nutrition, food science, public health, and product development will conduct a detailed evaluation of the scientific merit, feasibility, innovation, potential impact, and budget justification of each proposal. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to present their concepts to a high-level expert panel or selection committee, which will assess the team's capabilities and the project's strategic alignment with the Grand Challenge objectives. The final selection will be based on a comprehensive assessment of all aspects, aiming to identify a portfolio of diverse and promising solutions.
Application Process
- 1
Register & Access
Register on the ICMR ePMS portal and access the Grand Challenge application section.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of this Grand Challenge?
The Grand Challenge aims to prevent anaemia in adolescent girls and women of reproductive age in India by developing aspirational, nutrient-dense, and fortified food products for daily consumption.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
The program is open to academic and research institutions, food industry partners (including startups in FMCG, fortification, or product innovation), and non-profit organizations with a focus on nutrition, health, or community engagement.
What is the maximum funding available per project?
Each selected proposal is eligible for a grant of up to ₹1 Crore (10,000,000 INR).
What is the expected duration of the funded projects?
Each funded project is expected to run for a period of one year, focusing on prototype development and initial validation.
Is there any equity taken by ICMR or the Gates Foundation?
No, this is a non-dilutive grant program, meaning neither ICMR nor the Gates Foundation will take any equity in the companies or institutions receiving funding.
What kind of outcomes are expected from the funded projects?
Expected outcomes include a portfolio of nutrient-dense/fortified food prototypes, supported by evidence on their sensory quality, consumer acceptability, nutritional stability, and shelf life.
How do I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted online through the ICMR's ePMS portal at https://epms.icmr.org.in/. Detailed instructions and the required format are provided in the official RFP document.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
