The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA), in partnership with Grand Challenges and related country platforms, has launched an ambitious global initiative — “Accelerating Innovation in Vaginal Formulations in Support of Women’s Health.” This program seeks to catalyse new scientific and technological solutions that promote women’s health through the development of safe, effective, and user-friendly vaginal products.

The call for proposals aims to support the creation of next-generation vaginal formulations that not only deliver drugs effectively but also enhance user comfort and maintain vaginal health. Researchers, innovators, and organizations from across the world are invited to submit proposals by December 16, 2025 (17:00 EAT).

Purpose of the Initiative

This call responds to an urgent need to improve the design and accessibility of vaginal health products. While significant progress has been made in reproductive health, many available formulations remain limited in efficacy, comfort, and usability, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The initiative seeks to fund innovative, high-impact projects that explore biological, technological, and user-experience dimensions of vaginal product design. It encourages interdisciplinary approaches that combine biomedical research, engineering, and social science insights to create solutions tailored to women’s real-world needs.

Key Objectives

Applicants are invited to address one or more of the following thematic objectives:

1. Defining the characteristics of an ideal vaginal product:
   
   Conduct qualitative research to understand user preferences, cultural factors, and barriers to adoption across different contexts.

2. Leveraging biology for vaginally administered products:
   
   Develop or optimize formulations that support the vaginal microbiome, enhance mucosal health, or deliver active ingredients effectively.

3. Improving delivery mechanisms:
   
   Explore innovations that promote extended or controlled drug release without requiring retrieval or disposal after use.

The overarching goal is to design formulations that integrate health benefits with comfort, discretion, and user appeal, empowering women to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

Grant Details

• Funding Amount: USD 100,000 – 200,000

• Project Duration: Up to 24 months

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

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

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

Projects that are exploratory, high-risk, or short-term are especially encouraged, as they often yield transformative insights and breakthroughs.

Eligibility Criteria

This funding opportunity is open to a wide range of organizations and individuals globally, including:

• Academic and research institutions

• Nonprofit organizations

• For-profit companies

• Government agencies

• International organizations

Priority will be given to:

• Projects led by women and/or researchers based in LMICs

• Collaborative proposals that include women-led or LMIC-based organizations

All applicants must be legally recognized entities and agree to comply with the SFA Foundation’s Global Access Clause, ensuring that funded innovations remain accessible and beneficial to populations in need.

Focus Areas

Eligible proposals should meet the following requirements:

• Present non-retrievable or disposable-free vaginal delivery mechanisms

• Demonstrate extended or slow-release capabilities of active ingredients

• Include qualitative and biological data from LMICs, aligned with ethical and data privacy standards

• Articulate a clear, evidence-based research question

• Demonstrate feasibility, either through preliminary data or a defined research plan

• Promote diversity and inclusion, with strong representation from LMIC-based researchers and women scientists