What is the Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize?
We called on innovators to tackle critical challenges and improve outcomes for people affected by snakebite in high-burden settings by strengthening community responses, accelerating access to appropriate care, or improving the delivery of treatment.
Entries are now closed. If you submitted an entry to the Prize, you will hear back from the team in January 2027.
Why snakebite?
With the World Health Organization’s target to reduce snakebite mortality and disability by 50% by 2030, the clock is ticking. While promising scientific work is underway to develop next-generation treatments and improved antivenoms, there is a real need for technological, social and system-level solutions to maximise the reach of these treatments and ultimately improve health outcomes. To tackle the complexity of snakebite, we must holistically consider and address the surrounding challenges along the patient journey.
Who’s involved in the prize?
The Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize is funded by Wellcome Trust, and designed and delivered by Challenge Works.
It is supported by four regional partners: Appropedia, Villgro Philippines, Villgro Africa and the Malla Reddy Foundation for Research and Innovation (MRFRI).
Timeline of the Prize
Prize opened for entries
17 June 2026The prize officially opened for entries across both Launch and Growth tracks.
Entrant support
17 June – 16 September 2026Three-month window with informational webinars, team matchmaking, partnership building and ideation-style events.
Entry deadline
16 September 2026The deadline for initial submissions is 12 noon UTC.
Assessment and judging
17 September – January 2027Expert assessors and judges review entries against the eligibiliy and judging criteria.
Finalists announced
January 2027Up to 15 of the most promising teams are selected to receive a total of £1.25m in seed funding and bespoke support.
10 Launch teams will receive £75k each.
5 Growth teams will receive £100k each.
Finalist development
January – October 202710-month development period in which the finalist cohort uses funding to conduct research and accelerate solution development with bespoke support.
Final entry deadline
October 2027The 15 finalists submkit their refined solutions and long-term proposals for final judging.
Assessment and judging
October – December 2027Our expert assessors and judges will review finalist submissions against the eligibility and judging criteria.
Winners announced
December 2027Up to 4 winning teams are selected to receive a total of £5 million to further develop their solutions by 2030.
2 Launch teams will receive £750k each.
2 Growth teams will receive £1.75m each.
Winner development period
December 2027 – December 2030The four winning teams progress their solutions, validate and prepare for implementation (Launch) or achieve full-scale implementation and sustainable operations (Growth).