Grand Challenges Canada is dedicated to supporting Bold Ideas with Big Impact®. Funded by the Government of Canada and other partners, Grand Challenges Canada funds innovators in low- and middle-income countries and Canada. The bold ideas Grand Challenges Canada supports integrate science and technology, social and business innovation – known as Integrated Innovation®.
One of the largest impact-first investors in the world, Grand Challenges Canada has supported a pipeline of over 1,700 innovations in more than 100 countries. Since 2010, innovations supported by Grand Challenges Canada have reached more than 80 million people with life-saving or life-improving initiatives who would otherwise not have had access.
Grand Challenges Canada is hosted in Toronto at the University Health Network.
Our Mission
To catalyze innovation that saves and improves the lives of the most underserved in Canada and low- and middle-income countries.
Our Vision
A world in which innovation accelerates the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
Our Values
Integrity – We take ownership and pride in our actions, ensuring accountability and transparency while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Learning – We move toward reconciliation by acknowledging we are visitors; take actions that show respect for local customs, values, and protocol; and support the right to self-determination.
Diversity & Inclusion – We treat all people with respect, dignity and fairness. We advance gender equality and address inequities and power imbalances.
Excellence – We aspire to the highest level of performance and create a space and process to learn from both successes and failures.
Boldness & Creativity – We transform the status quo through action and enable others to do the same. We are innovative and take considered risks to achieve transformational impact.
Grand Challenges Canada estimates up to 1.78 million lives saved by 2030 62,500 lives saved to date through the use of innovative products and services
Grand Challenges Canada estimates up to 64 million lives improved by 2030 21 million lives improved to date through the use of innovative products and services
354 policies influenced through engaging government officials, decision-makers, and other local stakeholders, which will play an important role in catalyzing the scale and sustainability of supported innovations.
>1,700 innovations supported from low- and middle-income countries and Canada.
227% leverage rate for every $1 of Government of Canada funding invested, $2.27 has been leveraged from investors and partners.
100+ countries where innovative projects or services are being implemented.