CARB-X 2026 Funding Portal

About this scheme

The CARB-X 2026 Funding Portal invites innovators globally to submit Expressions of Interest for projects addressing the critical challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). CARB-X, a formidable global public-private partnership, is dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative new antibacterial products and diagnostics. Its overarching mission is to combat the escalating worldwide threat posed by drug-resistant bacteria, which undermine the efficacy of current medical treatments and pose a significant risk to global public health. As a vital member of the CARB-X Global Accelerator Network, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) stands as the network's sole accelerator located outside North America and Europe, this strategic position enables C-CAMP to play a pivotal role in identifying and supporting breakthrough AMR innovations, particularly fostering talent and solutions emerging from India.

The funding program is designed to support initiatives that align with several crucial product themes, all aimed at advancing the global fight against AMR. These themes include the development of direct-acting therapeutics specifically targeting infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens, which are notoriously difficult to treat due to their complex outer membranes. Proposals are also encouraged for target-based therapeutics as part of the CARB-X Novel Chemistry for AMR Challenge, seeking truly innovative chemical entities. Furthermore, the program seeks non-vaccine approaches to prevent neonatal sepsis, a devastating condition affecting newborns, and innovative diagnostics capable of early and accurate detection of neonatal sepsis, crucial for timely intervention.

While specific funding amounts are not detailed at the initial Expression of Interest stage, the program commits to providing significant financial support to selected projects, scaled to the needs and milestones of the innovation. Beyond monetary assistance, C-CAMP, leveraging its expertise and network as a key accelerator within the CARB-X framework, offers comprehensive non-monetary support. This includes expert scientific and business guidance, access to a global network of scientific and industry leaders, and robust incubation support. This holistic support system is designed to accelerate promising research and facilitate the successful translation of innovations in the AMR space from concept to clinical impact.

Who can apply

• The program encourages applications from innovators actively engaged in tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
• This broadly includes startups, academic research groups, and institutions with promising early-stage or preclinical projects.
• Researchers and innovators specializing in infectious biology are particularly eligible, especially those with a strong scientific foundation and a clear vision for developing novel antibacterial products or diagnostics.
• The CARB-X program is explicitly open to global applicants, reflecting the worldwide nature of the AMR threat.
• C-CAMP, through its unique role, strongly encourages and supports applications from Indian innovators, aiming to bolster India's contribution to global AMR solutions.
• All applications must demonstrate a clear alignment with the specified product themes, including direct-acting therapeutics for Gram-negative pathogens, target-based therapeutics for the Novel Chemistry for AMR Challenge, non-vaccine approaches to prevent neonatal sepsis, and innovative diagnostics for neonatal sepsis, ensuring that proposed solutions address critical unmet needs.

Frequently asked questions