The Mobile Health: Technology and Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (R21/R33 - Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity is issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support exploratory and developmental research on mobile health (mHealth) interventions or tools tailored to address global health challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The goal is to catalyze innovation through multidisciplinary research that develops evidence-based mHealth technology to improve clinical and public health outcomes while strengthening research capacity in LMICs.

The program supports a phased approach with an initial R21 phase for feasibility and technology development (up to $125,000 per year for two years) and an R33 phase for validation and larger-scale studies (up to $200,000 per year for three years). Projects must span both phases and include well-defined transition milestones. Applications submitted by U.S. institutions must involve LMIC researchers as key personnel, and those from LMIC institutions are encouraged but not required to have U.S. partners. Collaborative approaches with NGOs, hospitals, government entities, and businesses are encouraged to enhance capacity building and ensure sustainability.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, and tribal governments, as well as foreign institutions in LMICs. Applicants must meet registration requirements with SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Applications must adhere to NIH’s policy on data sharing and include a Data Management and Sharing Plan. Key personnel should represent diverse disciplines, and proposals should integrate capacity-building strategies to foster long-term mHealth research in LMICs.

Applications must propose innovative mHealth interventions that leverage mobile and wireless devices. Proposals may address health outcomes, disease prevention, diagnostics, or treatment strategies while considering affordability, usability, and sustainability in LMIC contexts. Specific areas of interest include AI-based tools, behavior change interventions, real-time data collection, and cross-sector collaborations to tackle barriers such as access and equity in health care delivery.

The NIH will prioritize projects addressing the unique needs of LMIC populations and supporting global health equity. Specific interests vary among the participating NIH Institutes, such as mental health, maternal and child health, cancer prevention, and vision health. Research proposals must be designed with rigor, scalability, and consideration of the LMIC setting. Applications focusing solely on text-messaging-based interventions or replication of existing technologies are considered low priority.

Key deadlines include submission of letters of intent by February 21, 2025, and full applications by March 21, 2025, through Grants.gov. Applications will be reviewed based on significance, innovation, approach, and feasibility. Budget feasibility and the strength of collaborative partnerships will also influence funding decisions. For questions, applicants may contact the NIH staff listed in the announcement.