Now accepting applications; 

open innovation platform launched

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) invites global problem solvers to answer the call for groundbreaking ideas to enhance our ability to respond to the current Zika outbreak and generate cutting-edge technologies and approaches that better prepare the world to address the disease threats of tomorrow.

The Combating Zika and Future Threats Grand Challenge, launched on April 13, 2016, will invest up to $30 million in solutions that can help mitigate the spread and impact of the Zika virus by filling critical gaps in the pipeline and improve our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to future infectious disease outbreaks. To support the Challenge, USAID has partnered with OpenIDEO to launch an open innovation platform that harnesses the power of the crowd to inform, inspire and guide creative solutions to this Grand Challenge that are deeply grounded in what communities want and need.

The Challenge seeks innovative ideas that address key challenges and opportunities in vector control, personal and household protection, healthcare worker safety, surveillance, clinic and laboratory systems, diagnostics, sample transport, community engagement, and healthcare worker tools.

Learn more and answer the call for innovative ideas.

• Visit our webpage for more information and download a copy of the call for ideas.
• Share your on-the-ground insights and experiences to help design better solutions.
• Seek feedback on your idea from the global community: Develop, share, and build on your idea through the OpenIDEO community.
• Seek funding for your idea from USAID: Apply now! Zika-focused submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2016, and all other submissions due by 5:00 p.m. on June 17, 2016.
• Join the conversation! Follow @USAIDGH on Twitter and use the hashtag #CombatZika.
• Spread the word! Share this notice with a broad range of experts in a variety of disciplines.

Your imagination can help us spark transformational change and accelerate substantial and sustainable progress against combating Zika and future health threats. Together, we can transform insurmountable development challenges into solvable problems.

Photo credit: Marvin Recinos/AFP