Deadline: July 27, 2025
Are you an innovator working to improve childhood immunisation coverage in Nigeria or Ethiopia? The Save the Children Immunisation Innovation Accelerator 2025 is calling for bold, local solutions that tackle the barriers preventing millions of children from receiving life-saving vaccines. This programme offers funding, capacity-building, and global exposure to eligible organisations with promising immunisation innovations.
About the Save the Children Immunisation Innovation Accelerator 2025
Launched in collaboration with GSK, the Save the Children Immunisation Innovation Accelerator 2025 is a competitive funding programme aimed at identifying and scaling innovations that increase immunisation coverage. The focus is on reaching zero-dose and under-immunised children, especially in hard-to-reach or marginalised communities across Nigeria and Ethiopia.
In its second round, the accelerator aims to partner with local organisations developing scalable, context-specific solutions to boost vaccine uptake.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Local non-governmental or community-based organisations
- Research or academic institutions
- Health tech startups, social enterprises, and small businesses
Applicants must be registered and operational in Nigeria or Ethiopia, and should already have innovations at a testing or early evidence stage. Projects should show promising outcomes in increasing immunisation coverage, particularly among zero-dose children.
What’s on Offer?
Successful applicants will receive a combination of funding and strategic support:
- Up to US $100,000 in grant funding per project
- Access to a total programme fund of US $1 million
- Support period of up to 18 months
- Potential for additional follow-on support
Beyond funding, grantees will benefit from:
- Technical and design mentorship
- Monitoring and evaluation guidance
- Legal, branding, and communication assistance
- Support in refining, piloting, and expanding their innovations
Why This Matters
According to Save the Children, Nigeria has over 2.1 million zero-dose children, and Ethiopia has around 1 million. These two countries alone account for nearly 40% of all zero-dose children across Africa. Many of these children live in underserved or marginalised communities where existing health systems struggle to provide routine immunisations.
The accelerator seeks to address both demand-side and supply-side challenges. These include vaccine hesitancy, lack of access to health facilities, weak logistics systems, and socio-cultural barriers.
By supporting local innovations, the programme aims to create long-term, community-driven solutions to close the immunisation gap.
Application Process and Key Dates
Applications for the Save the Children Immunisation Innovation Accelerator 2025 opened in June 2025. Organisations are encouraged to apply promptly as the selection process is competitive.
Shortlisted organisations will be contacted for further engagement, with selected projects receiving funding and implementation support shortly thereafter.
Final Thoughts
This accelerator is a significant opportunity for local organisations striving to solve pressing public health issues in Africa. By supporting evidence-driven, community-led innovations, the programme reinforces the importance of local ownership in global health solutions.
Need support with your application?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
