RFPs: Innovations to Prepare for Future Epidemics and Pandemics

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) invites innovators worldwide to apply for its open call supporting vaccine research, development, and manufacturing for epidemic and pandemic threats, including “Disease X.” The Innovations to Prepare for Future Epidemics and Pandemics Call for Proposals supports CEPI’s mission and the 100 Days Mission. Focus Area 2 closes on 14 December 2026 (rolling submission; reviewed quarterly). CEPI’s pandemic plan aims to substantially reduce—or even eliminate—the future risk of pandemics and epidemics. The plan is organized around three pillars: prepare, transform, and connect and enhance global collaboration. Within this strategy, CEPI’s Innovations to Prepare for Future Epidemics and Pandemics Call for Proposals is designed to support CEPI’s mission by advancing a broad range of vaccine innovations for epidemic/pandemic-potential pathogens, including novel pathogens that can infect humans (Disease X). The call also aims to contribute toward CEPI’s 100 Days Mission, which is intended to help the world prepare for known and future epidemic and pandemic threats. The source describes CEPI’s intent to support:

Important: The supplied page does not specify:

Not specified in the source.

Applicant location: Innovators worldwide may apply. No specific eligible countries are listed on the provided page. Not specified in the source.

Eligible applicants (type): The page does not specify organizational types (e.g., academic institutions, industry, NGOs) as eligibility criteria. Not specified in the source. Focus Area 2 scope (what applicants should target):

Portal requirement to apply: To submit an application, applicants must be set up as a Portal User in the CEPI Portal.

The call supports innovations aligned to vaccine development and manufacturing for epidemic/pandemic threats, including Disease X. For the currently open application area:

The page also notes that:

This call is aimed at organizations working on next-generation vaccine candidates and enabling manufacturing approaches for pathogens that pose epidemic or pandemic risks. By targeting CEPI priority pathogens and emphasizing the “100 Days Mission,” the opportunity is positioned around accelerating the path from vaccine innovation to faster, scalable, and more equitable outbreak response. Official application entry point: CEPI Portal (access required to read the full call texts and submit applications). Not specified in the source as a standalone direct link—use the CEPI Portal from the call page above. Source: https://cepi.net/calls-for-proposals?selectedProposal=11

1) What call is this, and what is it trying to support?

CEPI’s Innovations to Prepare for Future Epidemics and Pandemics Call for Proposals aims to support vaccine innovations for epidemic/pandemic threats, including Disease X, and to contribute to the 100 Days Mission.

2) Which focus area is currently open for applications?

Only Focus Area 2 remains open for applications.

3) What is the Focus Area 2 deadline and review schedule?

Focus Area 2 closes on 14 December 2026. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed quarterly, with review periods starting on 13 July, 12 October, and 14 December.

4) How do I submit an application?

Applications must be submitted via the CEPI Portal. You must first set up a Portal User account and receive access to submit a full application.

5) What do I need to submit when registering for portal access?

CEPI requests that you attach: (1) a pitch deck with data (if any), (2) a list of personnel and organizations, and (3) a list of keywords related to your project.

6) Does the call specify funding amounts or the total grant pool?

Not specified in the source. The page describes the purpose and scope but does not provide award size or a funding pool.

7) Are proposals reviewed on an accelerated timeline?

Yes. The source states that all proposals submitted as part of this Call will undergo an accelerated review process. If you are working on vaccine candidates for CEPI priority pathogens (including epidemic or pandemic potential and relevant viral families), review the official Focus Area 2 call texts in the CEPI Portal and prepare your registration materials (pitch deck, personnel/organizations, and keywords) ahead of the 14 December 2026 closing date.