Nexa initiative launches to mobilize US$50 million for climate-health innovations
Grand Challenges Canada and the Science for Africa Foundation launched Nexa to mobilize US$50 million for climate-health innovations in low- and middle-income countries. The initiative offers funding up to US$2,000,000 for projects addressing vector patterns, extreme heat, and air quality. Applications for Africa and the Americas are open from June 22 to July 22, 2026.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) and the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) today announced the launch of Nexa, a global initiative designed to support locally led innovations addressing the growing health impacts of climate change. Announced at London Climate Action Week, the initiative aims to mobilize upwards of US$50 million in partner investment to expand the impact of urgently needed climate-health innovations in low- and middle-income countries. The first funding call opens June 22 for innovations in Africa and the Americas, with future calls targeting Asia.
Nexa is led by GCC, in partnership with the Government of Canada, and the SFA Foundation. The initiative operates alongside a global network of collaborators, including the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Sanofi Foundation, and Fund for Innovation in Development. The network also extends to members of the Global Grand Challenges Network located in Botswana, Brazil, Malawi, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa.
The initiative focuses on three key climate-related drivers of health risks: changing vector patterns causing malaria and dengue, extreme heat, and poor air quality. Nexa will provide catalytic funding for both early-stage and growth-stage innovations that strengthen health system adaptation and resilience. Proof of Concept innovations will receive up to US$200,000 over 18-24 months, while Proven solutions will receive approximately US$250,000 to US$2,000,000 of Transition to Scale funding each.
Funding Structure and Application Timeline
Nexa targets innovations that take the form of a product, process, service, or delivery model capable of delivering transformational impact. The application window for the first funding call runs from June 22 to July 22, 2026. Initial investments are scheduled to begin in early 2027.
| Funding Stage | Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Concept | Up to US$200,000 | 18-24 months |
| Transition to Scale | US$250,000 - US$2,000,000 | Varies by maturity |
Strategic Context and Partnerships
The launch of Nexa is informed by findings from the largest climate and health survey to date, which engaged 6,400 respondents across 107 low- and middle-income countries in 2025. Partners involved in gathering these insights included The Geneva Learning Foundation. Dr. Karlee Silver, CEO of Grand Challenges Canada, emphasized the necessity of the initiative, noting that global climate commitments are weakening while communities face growing threats to health and livelihoods.
Dr. Tom Kariuki, CEO of the Science for Africa Foundation, highlighted that African priorities and local innovation are central to the initiative's model. The Government of Canada, represented by the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, affirmed its support for the initiative as a pathway to safeguard global health.
How will the success of these innovations be measured and evaluated to ensure they effectively strengthen health system resilience against climate change?
What criteria will be used to select innovations for the Transition to Scale funding, and how will the initiative ensure these solutions remain sustainable after the funding period ends?
How might the launch of Nexa influence other global health organizations to increase their focus on the intersection of climate change and health?
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