The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, has announced a new Grand Challenge call for proposals titled “Development of Aspirational Nutrient-Dense Food Products for Adolescent Girls and Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) to Prevent Anaemia.”
The initiative aims to support innovative food-based solutions that can help reduce anaemia among adolescent girls and women in India.
Eligible Researchers can submit their research proposals online by 3 July 2026.
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| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | ICMR–Gates Foundation Grand Challenge |
| Theme | Development of Aspirational Nutrient-Dense Food Products to Prevent Anaemia |
| Funding Amount | Up to ₹1 Crore |
| Project Duration | 1 Year |
| Purpose | Prototype Development |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 July 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
Eligibility Criteria
This initiative is open to Academic & Research Institutions, Food Industry Partners & Startups, and Non-Profit Organisations.
Collaborations between nutrition science, the food industry, and behavioural experts are strongly encouraged.
Areas of Interest
ICMR is looking for innovative solutions that focus on:
- Iron-rich and nutrient-dense food products
- Fortified snacks, beverages, gummies, and other convenient formats
- Consumer-friendly and aspirational product designs
- Behavioural science-driven nutrition solutions
- Improved nutrient bioavailability
- Scalable and affordable manufacturing models
- Attractive packaging and branding
- Integration with public health programmes and commercial markets
Expected Outcomes
This Grand Challenge aims to deliver:
- A portfolio of aspirational, nutrient-dense/fortified food prototypes that can be consumed daily
- Evidence on sensory quality, consumer acceptability, stability, and shelf life
- Scalable models for integration into public health programs and commercial markets
- Contributions toward reducing anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies, in alignment with national
priorities such as Anaemia Mukt Bharat
Proposal Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Innovation and originality
- Nutritional effectiveness
- Consumer acceptability
- Scientific rationale
- Scalability and affordability
- Measurement and evaluation plans
- Team expertise and multidisciplinary capability
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Call Announcement | 3 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission | 3 July 2026 |
| Webinar | To Be Announced |
Download Official Notification