Supporting locally-bred solutions
About Grand Challenges Malawi (GCM)
Grand Challenges Malawi is a research and innovation funding initiative launched in 2023 to solve urgent social, economic, scientific and humanitarian needs by boosting domestic investments in research and innovations. The initiative promotes Pan-African and international research and innovation collaboration to improve research quality and scaling-up of innovations.
We aim at supporting the most creative scientists in Malawi to collaborate with their partners locally, continentally and globally to implement research that fosters local innovations
Priority Areas
Health, Humanitarian and Climate Change Nexus
The priority area supports research and innovation that enhances health system preparedness and responsiveness while ensuring disease surveillance intelligence, data modelling, Artificial Intelligence (Al) and its applications.
Health and well-being
The priority area supports maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health while promoting disease treatment, diagnostic and mental health.
Energy Generation and Supply
The priority area supports efforts for Malawi’s just transition into renewable energy systems that promote, improve, address, and support energy efficiency and conservation which is essential for environmental sustainability.
Agricultural Productivity and Commercialisation
The priority area focuses on innovations that support agriculture production, processing, nutrition, commercialisation, diversification, mechanisation, inputs and Irrigation development, while promoting 4IR technologies for smart agriculture and food security.
Funding Opportunities
Nexa Call
Grand Challenges Malawi (GCM) under the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) is proud to announce a new call under Climate and Health Innovation – Nexa Research Call.
GCM, a partner of Global Grand Challenges Network is seeking to invest in Proof of Concept innovations, meaning the testing of early-stage ideas, methods, or products. This is the stage where an innovation is field-tested in a real-world pilot to assess its potential for impact, as well as technical, operational, and financial viability.
Funding focus
GCM seeks bold, innovative solutions that enable local health actors to turn climate-driven health risk signals into timely health service delivery action, reducing health harms from mosquito-borne infections, extreme heat, and poor air quality.
Proof of Concepts must address at least one of the following focus areas:
- Climate – Informed Early Warning and Monitoring Systems; and
- Climate Responsive Patient Care Delivery Innovations.
Connection to Communities
Nexa invests in innovations that are culturally sensitive and community driven. When making investment decisions, Nexa seek to understand the extent to which innovations are informed by, co-designed with, and implemented by/in partnership with affected communities.
Who is eligible?
Organisations that are incorporated or equivalent (e.g. companies, social enterprises, NGOs, Government organisations, Non-profit, For Profit, Research and Academic Institutions) are eligible to participate.
What is the funding amount?
Proof of Concept funding amounts are up to $200,000 USD per innovation.
How to apply?
A detailed application guideline has been published and can be downloaded. Check the link below for more details.
All proposals must be submitted by 22 July 2026 at 02:00 pm ET (06:00 pm UTC) via a designated portal.
Submission of a complete application can be made through the Portal: https://gcc.fluxx.io.
Grand Challenges Malawi (GCM) will manage all successful researchers under the Malawi Nexa Call. Follow the link below for detailed guidelines https://ncst.mw/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/EN-Nexa-RFP-Jun-18-2026.pdf