Investing in Innovation Africa (i3), a pan-African initiative dedicated to supporting health-tech startups has opened applications for its third cohort. The program aims to accelerate the growth and impact of African-led ventures that leverage technology and data to enhance healthcare delivery and product distribution across the continent.
Program Overview
i3 is seeking 15 innovative startups for this cohort, divided into two categories:
- Early-Stage Startups: Ten startups focusing on healthcare delivery or product distribution will each receive a $50,000 grant.
- Growth-Stage Startups: Five startups dedicated to advancing pharmacy care will each receive a $225,000 grant.
Beyond financial support, selected startups will benefit from introductions to major healthcare organizations, tailored partnership readiness assistance, and bespoke deal facilitation to expand patient access and create valuable local jobs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, startups must meet the following criteria:
- African Ownership & Focus: Companies should be African-owned, led, or operated, with a focus on serving African markets.
- Tech-Enabled & Data-Driven: Innovators must leverage technology and data to improve healthcare delivery or product distribution.
- Stage-Specific Innovators:
- Early-Stage: Companies in the early stages of development with a proven concept.
- Growth Stage: Companies with demonstrated traction and scaling potential.
- Social Impact: Startups should aim to improve the quality, availability, affordability, accessibility, and visibility of healthcare services or products.
Application Process
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2025.
- Virtual Q&A Session: February 21, 2025, to address any questions regarding the application process.
- Cohort Announcement: April 30, 2025.
Interested startups can apply through the official i3 application portal.
Since its inception in 2022, i3 has empowered 60 African health innovators across 16 countries, providing $3 million in direct grants and facilitating 450 strategic connections. These efforts have resulted in over $11 million in contracted partnerships, expanded reach, and nearly 1,000 jobs created—half of which were held by women.
Dr. Uchenna Igbokwe, CEO of the Solina Center for Research and Development (SCIDaR), stated, “With the right resources, African-led companies can scale commercially while reaching underserved communities and creating jobs. The i3 program has proven that an actively engaged network of leading global health institutions and partners can empower African innovators to solve critical healthcare challenges.”
Oghenetega Iortim, CEO of Figorr, an i3 alumnus, shared, “We partnered with the Nigerian government to track over 200 million health products. Through i3, we connected with major global customers who expanded Figorr’s impact both in Nigeria and beyond. We’re grateful to i3 for opening these doors.”
i3 is funded by a consortium of global healthcare organizations, including the Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora, Endless Foundation, HELP Logistics—a subsidiary of the Kühne Foundation—Sanofi’s Global Health Unit, and Chemonics. The program is coordinated by Salient Advisory and the Solina Center for Research and Development (SCIDaR), with leading tech hubs CcHUB and Villgro Africa spearheading cohort selection alongside a distinguished panel of African experts.
For more information and to apply, visit the i3 application page.
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