ICMR and Gates Foundation Launch Anaemia Challenge

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation launched a ₹1 crore Grand Challenge in New Delhi on 13 June 2026 to develop iron-rich food products for anaemia control. The challenge seeks affordable, nutrient-dense prototypes for adolescent girls and women of reproductive age in India.

Anaemia and Target Group

Anaemia is a condition in which the blood has a lower than normal concentration of haemoglobin or red blood cells. In India, anaemia affects nearly one in two adolescent girls and women of reproductive age, which is about 50% of this population group. The challenge focuses on food-based solutions beyond conventional supplementation.

Grand Challenge Framework

The programme offers grants of up to ₹1 crore for prototype development over one year. It is open to researchers, startups, food companies, and non-profit organisations. Applications are accepted until 3 July 2026.

Product Requirements and Formats

The proposed products are expected to deliver 4–5 mg of iron per serving. The products must be affordable, consumer-acceptable, scalable, and based on regionally relevant ingredients and flavours. Suggested formats include fortified snacks, bars, chikkis, savoury bites, beverages, gummies, and chewables.

ICMR and Gates Foundation Collaboration

ICMR is India’s apex body for biomedical research under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Gates Foundation works on global health, development, and nutrition initiatives, including maternal, newborn, and child health research in India.

Important Facts for Exams

• ICMR was established in 1911 as the Indian Research Fund Association and was renamed in 1949.
• Anaemia is commonly linked with iron deficiency, folate deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and chronic disease.
• Fortification is the process of adding micronutrients to food products to improve nutritional value.
• Adolescent girls and women of reproductive age are key public health groups in anaemia control programmes.

Research Agreement

ICMR and the Gates Foundation signed a Letter of Agreement on 12 March 2024. The agreement covers maternal, newborn, and child health research, along with nutrition research in India.