Three global grants open for women’s health

Applications open for three grants supporting women’s health research and AI, offering over US$1.3m across projects in cardiology, fertility and tech.

The American Heart Association will award up to US$1m across up to 10 one-year awards (US$100,000 each) through Redefining Women’s Health: From Heart to Head to Hormones. Priorities include ischaemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries and cardiovascular microvascular disease, autoimmune disease screening and care models, next-generation endometriosis treatments, and new classifications and care models for heavy menstrual bleeding. Ischaemia means the heart muscle receives too little blood despite no major artery blockage, while microvascular disease affects the heart’s small vessels.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, and up to 50 per cent with angina show no obstructive lesions, an estimated 3–4 million women in the US. Pre-proposals are due 6 January 2026, full proposals 14 April 2026, with awards in June and funding from 1 July 2026. Studio Red will support awardees on IP, regulation, reimbursement, commercialisation and fundraising, with possible incubation for 1–2 teams. Applicants must be at US-based non-profits, hold a doctoral degree and be American Heart Association professional members.

IVI RMA Global’s Global Health Social Impact Award offers a US$50,000 grant to an existing non-profit project in reproductive or maternal health. Eligible organisations must operate in or partner with non-profits in the US, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Canada, UK, Sweden, Chile, Brazil, Panama, Czech Republic, Iceland or Denmark. Applications close 31 December 2025 for 2026 delivery, with review criteria covering health impact, scalability, equity, innovation, sustainability and mission fit. Shortlisted projects go to an employee vote, with a winner announced in Q1 2026.

AI by HER’s Global Impact Challenge invites women-led teams to present AI solutions addressing public-interest problems, offering awards up to US$300,000. Entries close 30 November 2025. Up to 30 teams will present at the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026 and receive mentoring on responsible AI and investor readiness, culminating in an investor pitch session. Teams must be women-led, meaning a woman founder or principal investigator holds a significant leadership role and equity or leads the research.

Endometriosis refers to tissue similar to the womb lining growing outside the uterus, often causing pain and fertility problems. Heavy menstrual bleeding means frequent or prolonged blood loss that disrupts daily life.