CFAs: Innovations in Decentralized Pan-Orthoebolavirus Diagnostics

The Grand Challenge for Decentralized Pan-Orthoebolavirus Diagnostics invites applications for innovative, field-ready solutions that strengthen Ebola virus disease diagnostics and outbreak preparedness. The program supports research on biomarkers, specimen innovations, diagnostic products, and quality implementation, with funding ranging from US$150,000 to US$800,000 depending on the funding opportunity.

About the Program

The Grand Challenge for Decentralized Pan-Orthoebolavirus Diagnostics supports the development of innovative diagnostic solutions that address gaps identified during the 2026 Orthoebolavirus outbreak and improve preparedness for future outbreaks.

The initiative aims to strengthen decentralized diagnostic systems by supporting research that enables earlier detection, more reliable testing, and sustainable implementation of viral hemorrhagic fever diagnostics in settings with limited laboratory infrastructure.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Strengthen decentralized pan-Orthoebolavirus diagnostic systems.
• Address diagnostic gaps identified during the 2026 outbreak.
• Improve preparedness for future Ebola virus disease outbreaks.
• Generate scientific evidence for next-generation diagnostic technologies.
• Accelerate the development of field-ready diagnostic products.
• Support reliable and sustainable decentralized testing systems.
• Enhance population-level disease surveillance and early warning systems.

Focus Areas

The initiative supports projects that focus on:

• Novel diagnostic biomarkers.
• Alternative specimen types.
• Field-deployable diagnostic products.
• Environmental and genomic surveillance.
• Data-driven early warning systems.
• Quality assurance for decentralized testing.
• Implementation strategies for viral hemorrhagic fever diagnostics.
• Sustainable diagnostic systems in endemic regions.

Funding Opportunities

Opportunity 1: Biomarkers

This funding opportunity supports research that identifies new diagnostic biomarkers to improve test sensitivity and clinical usefulness.

Funding available:

• US$350,000 to US$750,000

Project duration:

• 18–24 months

Opportunity 2: Specimen Innovations

This opportunity supports validation of alternative specimen types that improve testing safety and reduce dependence on venipuncture.

Funding available:

• US$300,000 to US$600,000

Project duration:

• 18–24 months

Opportunity 3: Diagnostic Products

This category supports the development of field-ready diagnostic products suitable for use where patients first seek healthcare, including settings without laboratory infrastructure or cold chain support.

Funding available:

• US$300,000 to US$800,000

Project duration:

• 24–36 months

Opportunity 5: Quality and Implementation

This opportunity supports projects that improve the reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability of decentralized testing systems.

Funding available:

• US$150,000 to US$400,000

Project duration:

• 18–24 months

Eligible Applicants

Applications are open to:

• Research institutes.
• Academic institutions.
• Nonprofit organizations.
• For-profit companies.
• Government agencies.
• International organizations.

Priority Applicants

The program particularly encourages applications from:

• Institutions based in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Institutions based in Uganda.
• Organizations working in other Ebola virus disease-endemic countries.
• Partnerships with organizations located in endemic regions.

Preferred Experience

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate experience in:

• Diagnostics for high-consequence pathogens.
• Orthoebolavirus research.
• BSL-4 pathogen diagnostics.
• Outbreak response.
• Clinical diagnostics.
• Laboratory validation.
• Public health surveillance.

Collaboration Opportunities

Multi-institutional collaborations are encouraged, including partnerships between:

• Technology developers.
• Accredited high-containment laboratories.
• National reference laboratories.
• Clinical research institutions.
• Organizations based in Ebola-endemic countries.
• Public health agencies.

Expected Outcomes

Supported projects should contribute to:

• Improved diagnostic accuracy.
• Faster and safer testing.
• Field-ready diagnostic technologies.
• Better outbreak preparedness.
• Stronger surveillance systems.
• Reliable decentralized testing.
• Sustainable diagnostic implementation.
• Enhanced public health response capacity.

Program Benefits

The initiative enables organizations to:

• Develop innovative diagnostic technologies.
• Advance outbreak preparedness.
• Validate new testing approaches.
• Strengthen international research collaborations.
• Improve diagnostic accessibility in resource-limited settings.
• Support evidence-based public health decision-making.
• Enhance surveillance for Ebola virus disease.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposal by:

• Demonstrating scientific innovation.
• Addressing clearly defined diagnostic gaps.
• Providing a practical implementation strategy.
• Including partnerships with organizations in endemic countries.
• Demonstrating expertise in infectious disease diagnostics.
• Presenting realistic timelines and budgets.
• Explaining the potential public health impact of the proposed solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include research institutes, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, government agencies, and international organizations.

How much funding is available?

Funding varies by opportunity:

• Biomarkers: US$350,000–US$750,000
• Specimen Innovations: US$300,000–US$600,000
• Diagnostic Products: US$300,000–US$800,000
• Quality and Implementation: US$150,000–US$400,000

Which countries are prioritized?

Applications are particularly encouraged from institutions based in or collaborating with organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and other Ebola virus disease-endemic countries.

What types of projects are supported?

The initiative supports projects involving biomarker discovery, specimen validation, field-ready diagnostic product development, quality assurance systems, implementation strategies, and surveillance innovations.

Are collaborative projects encouraged?

Yes. Multi-institutional collaborations involving technology developers, reference laboratories, clinical partners, and organizations in endemic countries are strongly encouraged.

What is the overall goal of the program?

The program aims to strengthen decentralized pan-Orthoebolavirus diagnostics, improve outbreak preparedness, and support reliable, sustainable testing systems capable of responding to future Ebola virus disease outbreaks.

Conclusion

The Grand Challenge for Decentralized Pan-Orthoebolavirus Diagnostics provides significant funding to accelerate the development of innovative diagnostic technologies that improve Ebola virus disease detection and outbreak response. By supporting research on biomarkers, specimen innovations, field-ready diagnostic products, and quality implementation systems, the initiative seeks to strengthen decentralized testing capacity, enhance surveillance, and improve public health preparedness in Ebola-endemic regions and beyond.