The Multiplex Platforms to Assess Indicators of Micronutrient Status, Inflammation and Infectious Disease Grand Challenge, issued by the Gates Foundation, seeks novel approaches to improve and extend multiplex assays for measuring biomarkers of micronutrient status, infection, and inflammation. This request for proposals aims to develop low-cost, high-performance tools for population surveillance in low- and middle-income countries.

Overview

Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among women of child-bearing age, preschool-age children, and older adults in low- and middle-income countries, constrain social and economic development. Current multiplex methods for measuring nutritional biomarkers have limitations, including heterogeneity in standards, inconsistent batch performance, and narrow analytical ranges. This challenge supports the development of improved assays that combine high analytical specificity, sensitivity, and robustness with a functional range matched to physiological values in target populations. The tests are intended for use in national or regional reference laboratories for population surveillance, not for point-of-care clinical use.

Funding and Benefits

Awards depend on the alternative proposed:

• Alternative A (Minimum Scope): Awards up to US$200,000 per project, with a grant term of up to 12 months.
• Alternative B (Optimistic Scope): Awards up to US$800,000 per project, with a grant term of up to 24 months. Budgets and terms are evaluated per project and commensurate with scope.

Indirect costs may be included in the budget, up to a maximum of 15% of the total budget, subject to the Gates Foundation's indirect cost policy.

Eligibility

This initiative is open to nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, international organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. Applications led by women or in collaboration with women-led organizations are particularly encouraged, as are applications from or in collaboration with institutions based in low- and middle-income countries. Only applicants applying through a legally recognized corporate entity are eligible. Collaboration among groups working in human metabolism, biomolecule characterization, and immunology is strongly encouraged.

Research Areas and Activities

The challenge is structured around two alternatives with specific targets:

• Alternative A (Minimum Scope): Strengthen and modestly extend the current multiplex test to measure soluble transferrin receptor, ferritin, RBP4, thyroglobulin, plasma methyl-tetrahydrofolate, holo-transcobalamin, CRP, and AGP. Sample volume must be ≤10 µL plasma/serum. Cost target is ≤US$20 per sample for all analytes measured in duplicate. Instrument cost target is ≤US$30,000 per unit.
• Alternative B (Optimistic Scope): All Alternative A analytes, plus metabolites or proteins associated with vitamin B1 and B2 deficiency, and thyroid hormones. A complementary test for whole-folate vitamers in red blood cells may also be included. Sample volume must be ≤5 µL plasma/serum. Cost target is ≤US$20 per sample for all analytes measured in duplicate, with a stretch goal of ≤US$10 per sample. Instrument cost target is ≤US$25,000 per unit.

Specific objectives include improving the current multiplex test, extending the panel to bioindicators of vitamins B9 and B12, measuring nutritional status of vitamins B1 and B2, and developing a test for total folate in red blood cells that gives results comparable to the microbiological assay.

Application Process

Applicants should familiarize themselves with the supporting documents, including the terms and conditions of the Gates Foundation, the Rules and Guidelines, Application Instructions, and Frequently Asked Questions. A dedicated webinar will be held on August 11, 2026, from 7:00-8:00 a.m. US PDT to provide an overview of the RFP and include time for questions. Registration is required, and questions may be submitted in advance. A recording will be posted on the challenge page following the session.

Deadline and Timeline

Date Open: July 21, 2026, 9:00 am PDT

Deadline: September 8, 2026, 11:30 am PDT