Cost-Disrupting Innovations to Reduce the Cost of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)

This global Grand Challenge seeks innovative solutions to significantly reduce the cost of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) used to treat Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. 

The objective is to enable more children to access life-saving treatment by improving cost-efficiency across formulation, production, and supply systems. Proposals must demonstrate a minimum 30% reduction in the ex-factory unit cost of RUTF, while maintaining nutritional quality and regulatory compliance. 

Type of Projects to be Funded

Projects must focus on cost-disruptive innovations in one or more of the following areas:

1. Protein Diversification and Dairy Replacement (Priority Area)
• Alternative protein sources to reduce reliance on milk powder
• Dairy reduction or dairy-free formulations
• Protein quality optimisation technologies

2. Lipid Optimisation and Stabilisation
• Use of lower-cost or locally sourced oils
• Oxidation-resistant formulations
• Shelf-life improvement innovations

3. Packaging Materials Science
• Low-cost and recyclable packaging alternatives
• Packaging designs that reduce cost and waste

4. Production and Supply Innovations
• Process intensification and automation
• Modular and scalable manufacturing systems for LMICs
• Supply chain and sourcing efficiencies

Projects must include proof-of-concept feasibility and a clear pathway to scale. 

Funding Structure

• Up to USD 500,000 (up to 18 months)
• Up to USD 1,500,000 (up to 36 months) 

Eligibility – Countries

• Open globally
• Strong focus on implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

Eligibility – Organisations

• Universities and research institutions
• NGOs and non-profits
• Private sector companies and startups
• Food manufacturers and processors
• Ingredient and packaging suppliers
• Engineering and technology firms

Consortia including LMIC-based organisations are strongly encouraged. 

Key Requirements

Proposals must:

• Demonstrate at least 30% cost reduction in RUTF production
• Include a transparent and credible cost model
• Provide proof-of-concept feasibility
• Show a pathway to regulatory approval and adoption
• Ensure scalability and manufacturability in LMICs
• Meet Codex nutritional and safety standards

What Will NOT Be Funded

• Policy-only or advocacy-focused projects
• Capacity-building or training-only initiatives
• Routine operations or infrastructure funding
• Market studies without innovation
• Clinical trials without product innovation
• Delivery-only models without changes to RUTF product or production

Key Dates

• Call opens: 17 March 2026
• Webinar: 30 March 2026
• Deadline: 28 April 2026 

Click HERE to visit the official website.