UPSCALING OF RESEARCH PROJECTS

The National Research Fund (NRF) Kenya, with the support of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) through the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), has rolled out a National Call aimed at providing researchers and innovators with the needed tools to commercialize their research results, connect with the potential customers, promote uptake of research outputs from previously funded research projects as well as enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and development. The main objective of this call is to enhance Public-Private Sector Collaboration in the uptake of research outputs.

UPSCALING OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE (FNSSA) RESEARCH PROJECTS – NRF004/2023

Food and nutrition security is a pressing issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Despite concerted efforts to enhance food and nutrition security, many still need access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food. Therefore, developing and implementing sustainable food systems is imperative to enhance the food situation in Kenya. Despite the National Research Fund (NRF) investing funds for food and nutrition security research, there are still some gaps in transforming research outputs into tangible goods and services within the sector. It is, therefore, crucial to upscale previously funded research projects to ensure they achieve their intended impact.

This call aims to enhance research findings from previously funded research projects into economic and social uses, promote private sector partnerships in research and innovation in Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture(FNSSA), and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Research, Science and Technology sector.

Applicants are requested to submit concept notes for research projects with the potential to provide solutions to improve income generation, nutrition and access to food for disadvantaged populations, promote sustainable agriculture and food systems, and ensure the competitiveness of Kenyan agricultural products. Concept notes must be timely, with rapid implementation timelines to facilitate the generation of valuable outcomes.

The budget available for this call is KES. 15 million. Only one project will be funded, up to a maximum of KES. 15 million for eighteen (18) months.

Interested applicants can access the call guidelines and concepts outline here.

UPSCALING OF HEALTH RESEARCH PROJECTS- NRF005/2023

Access to healthcare services is a fundamental human right yet millions worldwide can still not receive the essential health services they need, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). Like many developing countries, Kenya is working towards achieving universal health coverage by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The government’s recent focus on the healthcare sector is crucial to attaining SDG number 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.

However, according to the Community Health Strategy (2020-2025), Kenya’s growing population, increasing healthcare needs, including non-communicable and infectious diseases and the COVID-19 pandemic have stretched public funding and decreased international financing for healthcare. Therefore, the country needs to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to mobilize resources for research and development while maximizing the available resources to achieve the best healthcare outcomes.

NRF intends to promote public-private sectors’ collaborative approaches to facilitate the uptake of research outputs of previously funded projects that have commercial and up-scalable potential. This national call will provide previously funded researchers and innovators in the health sector with the tools needed to commercialize their research results and connect with potential customers and investors. Applicants are requested to submit concept notes based on previously funded NRF research projects. Concept notes must be timely, with rapid implementation timelines to facilitate the generation of valuable outcomes.

The Budget available for this call is KES. 30 million. Only two projects will be considered for a grant of up to KES. 15 million. The project will have an implementation duration of eighteen (18) months.

Interested applicants can access the call guidelines and concept template here.