Rwanda is joining a growing global network of innovations to leverage efforts from members of the global Grand Challenges family. This will broaden collaborations and mutual R&D funding for ground breaking innovative research projects. This will lead to products and services as unique solutions, and to develop innovations through research exchanges, best practices and experiences with global and African researchers.
Grand Challenges prioritize funding opportunity to high-level quality ideas by researchers and innovators with exciting ground breaking innovative research projects leading to products and services as unique solutions. The emphasis is that research developed in partnership with industries, companies and academic institutions using highly recognized labs, industries, innovation hubs and other settings leads to products, services and knowledge and technology transfer, as well as strengthen the ties between global and African
collaborators.

The Government of Rwanda continues to fund research and development (R&D) to build research and innovation excellence. The goal is to enhance data-driven innovations to transform industrial development and improve the wellbeing of Rwandan citizens.

Grand Challenges was established in 2003 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland to fund ground-breaking scientific research on specific unique health challenges in a country using bold mind ideas and innovative solutions.
Several African countries such as Ethiopia, South Africa and Botswana have launched Grand challenges. Science Foundation for Africa (SFA) based in Nairobi coordinates Grand challenges in Africa to develop innovations on the African continent.

African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDANEPAD) facilitated a planning meeting in Kigali on 20-21 March 2023 for Grand Challenges Rwanda Launch. In partnership with national stakeholders, Science for Africa Foundation (SFA) and AUDA-NEPAD National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) will launch Grand Challenges on 18-19th May 2023.

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