Call for Application: Kenya Healthcare Innovation Program

Published · Updated

The Kenya Healthcare Innovation Program is a joint program between Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), Villgro Africa and ICChange. In line with KENIA’s directive to accelerate disruptive innovation towards Kenya 2.0, these organizations are delighted to partner in a search for healthcare entrepreneurs with ideas, devices, technologies or software that have the potential to ensure affordable healthcare to all Kenyans. The program will culminate in a business pitching contest and award ceremony during Kenya Innovation Week in December 2021.

The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) is a State Corporation established under the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Act, No. 28 of 2013 under the Ministry of Education. The core mandate of the Agency is to develop and manage the National Innovation System. The Agency is therefore responsible for co-ordination, promotion and regulation of the National Innovation Ecosystem.

Villgro Africa is an early-stage business incubator and impact investor that supports health, life science and agricultural startups on the African continent – to transform product and process innovations into viable, scalable businesses that impact the base of the economic pyramid (BoP).

ICChange is a global, collaborative social enterprise network committed to improving the quality of life and security of vulnerable populations worldwide. Their work in Kenya is focused in the medical and urban entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Kijenzi is a digital manufacturer operating a network of hubs intended to supply replacement parts, medical devices, and occupational therapy tools. The company digitize the supply chain and do all of the manufacturing at local facilities, serving customers better by shortening wait times and lowering costs.

As part of the initiative, an innovation boot camp will provide selected entrepreneurs with business skills to support commercially viable products and services, and strengthen the capacity of Kenyan innovators with regards to scaling their enterprise and impact. Financial awards, including incubation support, will be presented to the top 3 finalists during the Kenya Innovation Week Start-up pitching event.

Areas of focus include:

  • Devices
  • Equipment
  • Services
  • Software & Apps

Who is eligible to apply?
This call shall be limited to Kenyan citizens who have the skills to actualize their product or service.

How will you benefit?

  • Funding – Initial investment funding of up to $5,000 and up to $455 worth of 3D printing services, for selected entrepreneurs.
  • Access to Networks – Access to development and investor networks from KeNIA, ICChange, Kijenzi and Villgro Africa.
  • Investment Readiness – Receive mentorship and training for up to 5 weeks that will enable you to communicate effectively with potential partners and investors.

Selection Criteria

  • A healthcare innovation with potential for development impact and scale (30 points)
  • A healthcare innovation with potential for commercial application (25 points)
  • A cross functional team e.g. comprising a doctor, engineer and marketer (20 points).
  • Aligns with your user/customer’s focus (15 points)
  • Technical proof of concept will be preferred over unproven ideas (10 points).

How to apply?

Applicants must first log in to their user account on VC4A to access the full application. If you don’t have a user account on VC4A, you will be asked to sign up and complete 3 onboarding questions, before you can start with your application.

All applications have to be submitted via the online application form

Deadline: 24th September 2021

For more information contact: edwin@villgroafrica.org

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