We support transformative innovations that address systemic challenges in health, food security, climate resilience, and scientific progress — especially where traditional investment is missing or where it is too slow. We aim to create societal value by advancing scientific research and building scientific capacity, strengthening food and health systems, and improving access, livelihoods, and climate resilience for underserved communities in LMICs.
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underserved beneficiaries through our health access and food security programs since 2019
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active
As the corporate foundation of Bayer, we help accelerate transformative innovations in health and agriculture for the benefit of society.
We harness the power of transformative innovations in Science and Social Innovation to build effective and resilient local ecosystems in Health and Food Security. Key target groups for our work are social impact organizations and entrepreneurs as well as scientists and students.
The global challenges we’re addressing
A growing world population, accelerating climate change, and finite natural resources are putting tremendous pressure on health and food systems. At the same time, unequal access to scientific capacity limits the ability of many regions to develop and apply solutions locally, while growing mistrust in scientific innovations hinders the adoption of evidence‑based approaches that are urgently needed to address these challenges:
2.3 billion people face food insecurity, including 680 million experiencing acute hunger. (Source: UN)
Global disease burden remains high despite medical advances, with rising Non-Communicable Diseases and chronic underfunding of women’s health.
People in LMICs often lack access to quality healthcare, agricultural knowledge and essential inputs, and access to scientific capacities.
Women face systemic neglect in health, food security, income, access to capital – and in scientific career development – despite being highly effective changemakers.
Climate change intensifies existing challenges across health and agriculture, demanding urgent adaptation and mitigation.
Traditional charity models fall short, requiring innovative and sustainable approaches.
These challenges require transformative innovative approaches and collective action at scale.
“Lasting change happens when bold innovators, catalytic funding, and strong partnerships come together. That is how we help accelerate solutions for a healthier world.”
Our Approach: We advance our impact through three catalytic levers.
Innovators and Entrepreneurs in the focus
Scientists and social entrepreneurs – especially women – are important target groups for us. They are the key drivers of change to make local communities and national health & food systems more resilient. Throughout the years, we have supported female entrepreneurs, granted fellowships to early-career scientists and awarded excellent researchers, some of them even became Nobel Laureates. Our support goes beyond funding; we also provide recognition and visibility to help them strengthen their profile and scale their impact.
Catalytic Funding
We kick-start and derisk innovations and unlock the full spectrum of capital for social impact initiatives, also with innovative financing approaches: With our combined funding volume of 11 Million EUR annually – including funding from external partners – we support high-impact social and scientific innovations, capacity building and science talents and social changemakers. By leveraging capital together with partners, we could already reach more than 20 million beneficiaries in health and agriculture.
Coalitions and Networks
Teaming up and bringing together partners across sectors and industries – science, NGOs, governments, social investors – to amplify impact and accelerate change. By using a collaborative approach, we’ve been able to reach more than 30 countries with the help of renown global and local partners such as the UN Capital Development Fund, UNFPA, Impact Hub Network, Mercy Corps and GAVI – the Vaccine Alliance, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Falling Walls Foundation.
0Fellowships
granted to early-career scientists around the world since 2007
0Women Entrepreneurs
Supported in Africa, Asia & Latin America since 2019