*New* Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Opportunity: AI-Enabled Consumer Engagement to Advance Family Planning (08/25/26)

Posted: 7/23/2026 ()

Digital tools have expanded the reach of family planning programs in sub-Saharan Africa, but most existing approaches rely on one-way or rule-based messaging that cannot replicate the kind of responsive, personalized conversation that moves women from awareness to action. Recent advances in large language models have changed what is possible. AI-enabled consumer engagement tools can now hold nuanced, multi-turn conversations in local languages, respond to individual questions and concerns, and deliver personalized information at very low marginal cost across both public and private sector channels. This RFP seeks to answer a core question for the family planning field: can AI-enabled direct-to-consumer engagement improve contraceptive uptake, continuation, and informed method choice at scale – and, if so, which approach works best?

Applications for this RFP are due no later than August 25, 11:30 a.m. U.S. Pacific Time.

There will be a dedicated webinar on August 4, 2026, 7:00-8:00am U.S. Pacific Time, to provide an overview of the RFP and answer questions. To attend, please register and submit your questions in advance. A recording will be posted on the challenge page following the session for those unable to join live.