Gates Foundation – Global Grand Challenges 2026

This challenge topic is:

Innovations for exceptionally low-cost Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) manufacturing, with the intention of achieving the USD 10 per gram target. Novel approaches from a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines are needed.

There are two options to apply:

Option A: Proof-of-Concept

The primary outputs of this challenge will be (1) development of a conceptual facility design, and (2) generation of bench or lab-scale process data with sufficient analytical data to demonstrate the ability to produce an antibody at a final drug substance cost-of-goods of USD 10 per gram. A full physical demonstration that the manufacturing platform meets specific manufacturing cost targets is not required at this stage. Apply here.

Up to USD 750.000 for each project, with up to 18 months to develop it.

Option B: Operationalization and Economic Viability

Independent of Option A, the Gates Foundation recognizes that some organizations may already have proof-of-concept data that should support a final drug substance cost-of-good of USD 10 per gram and would like to partner for further development funding. Apply here.

The grant terms will be evaluated on a per-project basis.

Objectives:

• Advance innovation and bold ideas
  • Alternative hosts to mammalian cell culture
  • Alternative to standard downstream purification methods
  • Reduction in material costs
• Push the boundaries if current technology
• Rethink existing methods of working

Eligibility:

This initiative is open to nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, international organizations, government agencies and academic institutions. we particularly encourage applications involving projects led by women / in collaboration with women-led organizations and/or applications from/in collaboration with institutions based in low and middle income countries. Only individuals who are applying through a legally recognized corporate entity are eligible.

Proposals must:

• Work with the MAM01 malaria antibodies (option A), or malaria, RSV or HIV antibodies (option B) requiring high doses
• Include fully loaded costs inclusive of reagents, consumables, labor facility-related costs, QC/QA costs, fill-finish and licensing costs
• Outline solutions with specific steps and/or end-to-end solutions
• Provide technological solutions to reach the target rather than solutions relying upon multi-use facilities, brown-field facilities and other non-technological solutions
• Clearly outline the capabilities of the team, including a level of demonstrated applicability to a related problem and/or credibility for pharmaceutical applications
• Demonstrate technical quality and the ability to generate data within 12 months
• Include a justification of costs, which will also be analyzed by an external third-party
• Applications may include a number of collaborators who each bring a specific expertise
• Articulate solutions that could enable manufacturing in LMICs
• For applicants interested in Option B: please share any non-confidential data sharing that technical readiness level 3-5 has been met for low-cost production of HIV, RSV or malaria antibodies

Deadline: 31 May 2026