Nexa Lighthouse Funding Program 2027

The Nexa Lighthouse Funding Program 2027 is inviting eligible organizations to apply for investment to scale proven innovations that help communities respond to the health consequences of climate change. The initiative focuses on practical solutions that enable health systems and local health actors to turn climate related risk information into timely health interventions.

The programme is co led by Grand Challenges Canada, in partnership with the Government of Canada, and AVPN. Its funding partners include Bayer Foundation, India Health Fund, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Sanofi Foundation, and Temasek Foundation. Together, these organizations aim to support locally led innovations that protect communities from the growing health risks associated with extreme heat, poor air quality, and mosquito borne infections.

Under the Transition to Scale funding opportunity, selected innovations may receive approximately US$250,000 to US$2 million per project. The amount awarded will depend on the maturity of the innovation and the funding partners' assessment of the proposal. The programme is intended for solutions that have already demonstrated promise and are ready to expand their reach and impact.

About the Nexa Lighthouse Funding Program

Nexa Lighthouse is a climate and health innovation initiative designed to help health systems anticipate and respond to climate related health threats. Its approach combines innovation funding, partnerships, and opportunities to scale solutions that respond to real needs in local communities.

Climate change can increase health risks through several pathways. Rising temperatures can contribute to heat related illness, especially among people with existing health conditions and those who work outdoors. Poor air quality can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Changes in temperature and rainfall can also influence the spread of mosquito borne diseases, including malaria and dengue.

Although climate monitoring and health research have advanced, important gaps remain between identifying a risk and delivering an effective response. Health facilities may lack timely warnings, local authorities may not have reliable information to guide decisions, and vulnerable communities may have limited access to appropriate care.

Funding Benefits

Successful applicants may receive the following benefits:

• Investment of approximately US$250,000 to US$2 million per innovation, depending on the project's maturity and the funding partners' decisions.

• Support to scale proven solutions from established pilots or early implementation into broader programmes.

• Opportunities to strengthen climate and health resilience through interventions addressing extreme heat, air pollution, and mosquito borne infections.

• Potential collaboration with a network of funding partners working at the intersection of health, climate adaptation, and innovation.

• Greater implementation reach for solutions that help local health actors translate risk information into effective responses.

• Potential to improve health outcomes by strengthening early warning, monitoring, and patient care delivery.

Priority Area 1: Climate Informed Early Warning and Monitoring Systems

The first funding area supports innovations that help health actors anticipate climate related health threats and act before risks escalate.

Projects may develop or expand systems that use climate information, disease surveillance, environmental monitoring, or other relevant data to identify emerging risks. The objective is to make information more useful for local decision makers, health facilities, and communities.

Examples of potentially relevant approaches include:

• Early warning systems that identify periods of extreme heat and support timely public health responses.

• Monitoring tools that help health authorities understand the health implications of poor air quality.

• Systems that track changing mosquito ecology and identify conditions associated with increased malaria or dengue risk.

• Data platforms that connect climate signals with disease surveillance and local health service planning.

• Decision support tools that help health workers and public authorities determine when and where interventions are needed.

Proposals should explain how the innovation converts information into action. A monitoring platform alone may not be sufficient if it does not show how the information will help health actors respond to identified risks.

Priority Area 2: Climate Responsive Patient Care Delivery

The second funding area supports innovations that improve how health services respond to the consequences of climate change.

This may include approaches that help health facilities and community health workers prepare for periods of extreme heat, respond to mosquito borne illnesses, or manage health complications associated with poor air quality.

Relevant approaches may include:

• Improving health service delivery during extreme heat events.

• Strengthening the identification and treatment of climate sensitive health conditions.

• Supporting community health workers with practical information and response tools.

• Improving local preparedness for increases in malaria or dengue infections.

• Developing care models that help vulnerable patients access appropriate services during climate related emergencies.

• Improving care for people whose existing health conditions may be aggravated by extreme heat or air pollution.

Applicants should demonstrate that their proposed intervention addresses an identifiable health need and can be implemented effectively in the intended setting.

Who Can Apply?

The funding opportunity is intended for formally established organizations capable of implementing eligible innovations in Asia and the Pacific.

Eligible organizational categories include:

• Non governmental organizations.

• Nonprofit organizations.

• For profit companies.

• Social enterprises.

• Government organizations and public institutions.

• Research institutions.

• Academic institutions and universities.

• Other legally incorporated or equivalent entities that satisfy the programme requirements.

Required Application Preparation

The complete funding opportunity document and application questions should be reviewed before preparing the final submission. Applicants should be ready to assemble the following information, as applicable to the official application requirements:

• Organizational registration details and evidence of legal status.

• An overview of the innovation and the problem it addresses.

• Evidence of previous development, testing, or implementation.

• A description of the target population and eligible implementation country.

• A detailed scale up plan and implementation timeline.

• A proposed budget and explanation of how funds will be used.

• Evidence supporting the expected impact of the intervention.

• Information about project partners, health system relationships, and relevant implementation experience.

• A monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan with measurable outcomes.

• Any additional declarations or supporting documents required by the official application portal.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Nexa Lighthouse Funding Program 2027.

1. Read the official funding announcement. Visit the Grand Challenges Canada Nexa Lighthouse funding page and download the full funding opportunity document.
2. Check geographic eligibility. Review Appendix B to confirm that the proposed project will be implemented in an eligible country in Asia and the Pacific.
3. Confirm organizational eligibility. Ensure that the applicant is a legally established organization or an equivalent entity. Individuals, sole proprietorships, unincorporated trusts, and partnerships are not eligible to apply independently.
4. Assess the innovation's maturity. Confirm that the solution has evidence of effectiveness or promise and is ready for expansion. The Transition to Scale call is intended for proven approaches rather than untested concepts.
5. Select the appropriate funding focus. Determine whether the project primarily addresses climate informed early warning and monitoring systems, climate responsive patient care delivery, or both.
6. Develop the scale up proposal. Explain the problem, innovation, supporting evidence, implementation strategy, expected health outcomes, and approach to measuring impact.
7. Prepare the budget and supporting documents. Ensure that the requested amount is justified by the scale of the project and that all required organizational and project information is complete.
8. Complete the online application. Submit the proposal through the official Grand Challenges Canada Fluxx portal. Applications submitted through other channels will not be accepted.
9. Submit before the deadline. Ensure the completed proposal reaches the portal by November 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, equivalent to 7:00 p.m. UTC.
10. Keep a record of the submission. Save the application confirmation and copies of the documents submitted for future reference.