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ICMR and Gates Foundation Launch ₹1 Crore Grand Challenge for Anaemia

Published on 16 Jun 2026

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ICMR and Gates Foundation Launch ₹1 Crore Grand Challenge for Anaemia
  • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched a ₹1 crore Grand Challenge on 13 June 2026 in New Delhi to develop iron-rich food products for combating anemia. Targeting adolescent girls and women of reproductive age (where nearly 50% suffer from anaemia), the initiative seeks affordable, scalable prototypes delivering 4-5 mg iron per serving using regional ingredients.
  • Formats include snacks, bars, beverages, and gummies. Open to researchers, startups, and NGOs, applications close on 3 July 2026. The challenge builds on a 2024 research agreement.
Source: SarkariPariksha