RFP supports scalable genomics methods for routine public health surveillance in LMIC laboratories.

The Gates Foundation (GF) has opened a Grand Challenges request for proposals (RFP) entitled ‘Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows’. The call aims to accelerate affordable, scalable and operationally simple sequencing solutions to enable routine use of genomics for public health in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The RFP is co-funded by GF and the Temasek Foundation, and is managed by the United Nations Foundation. It is implemented with global and regional partners including the 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).

Proposals should develop workflow and sequencing methodology that can make existing sequencing platforms more affordable and reliable at scale, rather than creating new sequencing hardware. The call sets an objective to reduce total sample-to-sequence costs to approximately $1-10 per sample while remaining fit for public health use.

Approaches are expected to be designed for routine deployment in LMIC public health laboratories and to be adaptable across pathogens and platforms. The RFP also indicates interest in workflows built on a shared laboratory backbone with interchangeable primer panels or assay modules that allow laboratories to pivot between pathogens with reduced protocol heterogeneity. Applicants should address at least one priority pathogen or use case, spanning viral genomes, malaria, tuberculosis and bacterial/microbial pathogens.

The call is open to academic or research institutions, non-profit organisations, for-profit companies, international organisations and government agencies in any country.

A tiered funding structure offers up to $300,000 for up to 24 months (early stage feasibility awards), up to $600,000 for up to 24 months (mid-stage development awards) or up to $800,000 for up to 36 months (advanced development and validation awards), with around 15 awards expected to be made.

A webinar will be held on 1 September 2026 (5:30 to 6:30 PT) and there will be a recording available afterwards.