RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, 26 March 2026 — The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and the Government of Brazil have taken an important step toward establishing the Bridging Research Investment in Global Health Technology (BRIGHT) Fund. IVI and Brazil signed letters of intent supporting the establishment of the BRIGHT Fund, a multi-donor, country-led financing platform designed to accelerate health innovation and expand equitable access to life-saving technologies. IVI reaffirmed its commitment to support the development and establishment of the Fund and coordinate efforts with countries and stakeholders.

The signing took place on 24 March in Rio de Janeiro, on the sidelines of a convening of the Global Coalition for Local and Regional Production, Innovation and Equitable Access.

The BRIGHT Fund is a multi-donor financing platform under development aimed at addressing persistent gaps in global health innovation. Despite growing scientific capacity in low- and middle-income countries, many promising innovations fail to reach populations and deliver health impact due to insufficient and fragmented financing and limited end-to-end development partnerships. The BRIGHT Fund seeks to bridge this “valley of death” by providing sustained, milestone-based investment in the Global South to support the full pathway from research to commercialization and local production, while also fostering the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises and supporting job creation and broader economic development.

With a target of mobilizing US$300 million over its first five years, the BRIGHT Fund is expected to support the development and production of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and digital health innovations. It is designed to strengthen regional research, development, and manufacturing capacity, as well as regulatory capabilities, enhancing pandemic preparedness and helping ensure that innovations are accessible and affordable for populations in need.

The letters of intent were signed by Dr. Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI, and by H.E. Alexandre Padilha, Minister of Health of Brazil. The signing reflects support in principle for continued dialogue on the Fund’s development, including its governance, partnerships, and areas of cooperation, signaling shared engagement in shaping a more equitable global health ecosystem.

Dr. Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI, said: “This is a significant moment in the development of the BRIGHT Fund, bringing greater focus to Global South leadership and strengthening innovation, technology, and health ecosystems, and we appreciate Brazil’s strong partnership in advancing this effort. The BRIGHT Fund represents an opportunity to empower health innovation in the Global South, accelerate the development of critical health technologies, support sustainable economic growth, and ensure they reach those who need them most. We encourage countries to step forward and help realize this transformative opportunity by shaping and supporting this initiative.”

H.E. Alexandre Padilha, Minister of Health of Brazil, said: “This is a highly important initiative to expand the capacity of Brazil and other countries to produce vaccines and medicines. As Brazil strengthens its production capacity, these products become more accessible. We believe that initiatives involving new, multi-country financing mechanisms further support our ongoing efforts to increase investment in research nationwide and to recognize and value our researchers.”

The BRIGHT Fund builds on proven models of public-private partnership in global health research and development financing, while placing Global South leadership at its core. By aligning investment with local priorities and capabilities, it aims to foster sustainable innovation ecosystems and reduce dependence on external supply during health emergencies.

IVI is working with governments and partners as they consider engagement with the BRIGHT Fund, and encourages countries to contribute to its development and join the initiative during this formation phase.

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About the BRIGHT Fund

The BRIGHT Fund (Bridging Research Investment in Global Health Technology) is a Global South-led, multi-donor financing platform being designed to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and digital health innovations. By mobilizing long-term investment and supporting the transition from research to commercialization and local production, the Fund aims to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems, enhance pandemic preparedness, and advance health sovereignty while ensuring that life-saving technologies are accessible and affordable to those who need them most.

About IVI

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is a non-profit international organization established in 1997 at the initiative of the United Nations Development Programme with a mission to discover, develop, and deliver safe, effective, and affordable vaccines for global health.

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Contact

Kevin Keen, Head of Communications, International Vaccine Institute

kevin.keen@www.ivi.int