The Global Development Awards Competition (GDAC) 2025 is an exciting opportunity for innovative thinkers and organizations to showcase their research and development projects aimed at transforming healthcare access in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through the power of digital transformation. The competition encourages submissions in two categories: Research and Development (ORD) and Development Projects (MIDP). With a focus on Digital Transformation for Universal Health Coverage, GDAC aims to provide a platform for groundbreaking solutions that will help bridge the healthcare gap in underserved communities.
The competition invites researchers, NGOs, and civil society organizations to propose ideas and projects that contribute to the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC) through digital means. By leveraging technology, data analytics, and innovation, GDAC hopes to inspire positive change, improve healthcare systems, and promote equitable access to health services.
Winning projects and research will not only receive significant funding and mentorship, but also the opportunity to bring their solutions to scale, ensuring a lasting impact in healthcare delivery.
This is an outstanding opportunity for researchers and organizations committed to advancing global health solutions through digital innovation.
Name of Organizer
Global Development Network (GDN):

Requirements/Eligibility
Eligibility for Research Proposals (ORD Category)
1. Applicant Profile: The ORD category is open to social science researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Proposals should be centered around exploring how digital technologies can foster better healthcare access and systems for underserved communities.
2. Research Focus: Projects should aim to provide actionable insights and contribute empirical evidence to inform policies around universal health coverage (UHC) in LMICs.
3. Academic Background: Applicants should have a strong academic background in fields such as public health, digital health technologies, economics, or other social sciences.
4. Grant Amount: Winners in the ORD category will receive grants of $10,000 to $30,000 to fund their research activities.
Eligibility for Development Projects (MIDP Category)
1. Applicant Profile: The MIDP category is open to Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that are already involved in the development and implementation of digital health solutions in LMICs.
2. Project Focus: Eligible projects must demonstrate ongoing efforts or innovations aimed at improving universal health coverage through digital solutions. These could include mobile health platforms, telemedicine projects, digital healthcare data systems, and other relevant initiatives.
3. Previous Experience: Applicants must demonstrate that they have implemented similar projects or interventions in the past and can show measurable outcomes related to healthcare access or quality.
4. Grant Amount: Winners of the MIDP category will receive grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 to support further implementation and scaling of their projects.
Prize
The Global Development Awards Competition (GDAC) 2025 offers substantial prizes for both the Research and Development Project categories:
Research Proposals (ORD Category):
– $10,000 to $30,000 in research grants to fund projects focused on empirical research on digital health solutions in LMICs.
– Mentorship: Winners will also be paired with experienced mentors from the field to guide them through the research process and offer expertise in data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
– Visibility and Networking: The opportunity to present the research findings at international forums and collaborate with other thought leaders and organizations.
Development Projects (MIDP Category):
– $25,000 to $50,000 in funding to help organizations scale their ongoing projects that focus on digital transformation for health coverage.
– Project Support: Beyond funding, winners will receive mentorship and advisory services from experts in the healthcare and digital transformation sectors.
– Global Recognition: MIDP winners will gain visibility through the GDN network and have opportunities to engage with policymakers, donors, and other stakeholders to maximize their project’s impact.
Application Deadline
The official deadline for submissions for GDAC 2025 will be announced on the official GDAC website. Applicants are encouraged to keep an eye on the official page for updates and deadlines related to both categories.
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