Grand Challenges Canada

Overview

Grand Challenges Canada is a Canadian charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative solutions that address health and development challenges in low- and middle-income countries, as well as in Canada. Funded primarily by the Government of Canada, the organization employs a Grand Challenges model to fund solutions for health and economic problems. Over the past 15 years, Grand Challenges Canada has invested in more than 1,500 unique innovations across over 100 countries, focusing on areas such as maternal and child health, mental health, gender equity, and access to clean water and sanitation. Their approach to funding is grounded in equity, evidence, and partnership. The foundation's investment strategy emphasizes integrated innovation, combining scientific, technological, social, and business innovations to create sustainable solutions. They support innovators at various stages, including seed, early stage, and growth, with investment sizes ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Grand Challenges Canada's geographical focus spans multiple countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Lebanon, Jordan, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Canada. Their portfolio encompasses a wide range of industries, including healthcare, education, water and sanitation, mental health, gender equity, technology, agriculture, energy, environment, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, transportation, retail, media, telecommunications, real estate, construction, professional services, consumer goods, automotive, and more. Grand Challenges Canada's track record includes supporting over 1,500 unique innovations across more than 100 countries, reaching over 85 million people with life-saving and life-improving innovations. Their investments have delivered returns of over $7 billion, increasing the lifetime earnings of people they reach by over 25%, helping to keep families alive and staving off financial catastrophe. They have leveraged $2.42 for every $1 invested by their anchor funder, the Government of Canada. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies and organizations working on innovative solutions to global health and development challenges. Grand Challenges Canada is governed by a Board of Directors, including members from various sectors such as health, finance, and international development. The Board oversees the organization's operations and impact, ensuring that activities align with the mission and strategic goals. The foundation also works closely with its Scientific Advisory Board and key experts in the area of global health to identify and select Grand Challenges. Their mission is to support innovators in low- and middle-income countries and Canada, fostering integrated innovation to address pressing health and development challenges.