The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA), in partnership with Grand Challenges and related country platforms, invites proposals for the Accelerating Innovation in Vaginal Formulations in Support of Women’s Health initiative. This call aims to catalyse the development of innovative technologies and approaches that can safely and effectively deliver a wide range of vaginal products. The goal is to promote women’s health through improved drug delivery systems that also support the vaginal environment and user preferences.

The Challenge

This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to advance the science and design of vaginal formulations that enhance drug delivery, promote vaginal health, and offer additional desirable user benefits, such as comfort and sexual wellness. Projects may focus on biological, technological, or user-experience aspects that make vaginal products more effective, acceptable, and appealing to women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Key Objectives

Applicants may address one or more of the following:

1. Define characteristics of an ideal vaginal product: conduct qualitative research to identify desirable features, user motivations, and barriers to adoption across regions and cultures.

2. Leverage biology for vaginally administered products: develop or improve formulations that utilize the biology of the vaginal microenvironment to enhance delivery, promote microbiome balance, or maintain mucosal health.

PRIZE DETAILS

• Grant amount: USD 100,000 – 200,000

• Project duration: Up to 24 months

• Indirect costs: Should not exceed 10–15% of total award

• Exploratory, high-risk, short-term projects are strongly encouraged and prioritized

• Deadline: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 (17:00 EAT)

• Webinar: November 20, 2025 (6:00–7:00 AM Pacific Time).

Eligibility Criteria

This funding opportunity is open to a broad range of institutions and organizations committed to advancing women’s health through innovation in vaginal formulations. Eligible applicants include:

• Research institutes

• Nonprofit organizations

• For-profit companies

• International organizations

• Government agencies

• Academic institutions

• Projects led by women and/or researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are encouraged to apply.

• Collaborative proposals involving women-led or LMIC-based organizations will receive priority consideration.

• All applicants must apply through a legally recognized corporate entity and comply with the Foundation’s Global Access Clause.

Focus Areas

Proposals must:

• Address vaginal delivery approaches that do not require retrieval or disposal after use.

• Demonstrate potential for extended or slow-release of active ingredients.

• Use innovative, rigorous qualitative approaches that deepen understanding of product acceptability.

• Generate biological or end-user data from LMICs and comply with local data security and privacy regulations.

• Present a clear research question supported by peer-reviewed literature.

• Show feasibility with preliminary data (or a limited scope if data is unavailable).

• Request a reasonable budget and duration aligned with the proposed work (up to 24 months).

• Promote a diverse, inclusive research environment, with emphasis on LMIC-based expertise in reproductive health.

Relevant Links 

• Application Instructions
• Rules & Guidelines 
• FAQs
• Budget Guidelines

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