Six African healthtech startups have emerged winners of the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Challenge. Tagged the Champions of Science Africa Innovation Challenge 2.0, the challenge was held at the ongoing 28th World Economic Forum on Africa.
The Johnson & Johnson Innovation challenge is aimed at healthtech startups in Africa. They are charged to create innovative technologies, products, and solutions that will create a positive impact on African communities.
Six winners were selected out of more than 900 applications from 39 African countries. The six selected winners are startups leveraging technology to provide solutions to major healthcare challenges. The selected startups have a long-term sustainability model.
The winners will be rewarded from the $300,000 prize pool. Each startup will receive $50,000 funding, free mentorship from the Johnson & Johnson Group of Companies global network of scientists, engineers, and business managers.
According to Seema Kumar, Vice-president of innovation global public health and science policy communication, Johnson & Johnson, the winners are all talented. They are very confident that if linked with the company’s energy and inventiveness and available resources, they will create indelible impacts in African communities.
See also: African Startups to get $100k in Dubai Innovation Impact Grant Programme
The Six startups include;
Crib A’Glow a Nigeria-based healthtech startup. Founded by Virtue Oboro, Crib A’Glow is a solar-powered, foldable phototherapy crib that leverages LED lights to treat jaundice in newborns.
Dreet a Botswana-based health startup. It stands for detection, research, education, equipment, and training. Founded by Tendekayi Katsiga, Dreet is a mobile phone-based hearing test that reveals result within 4 minutes.
Life Bank a Nigeria-based startup. Founded by Temie Giwa-Tubosun, Life Bank is a healthtech logistics company that focuses on saving mothers through blood deliveries. Life Bank’s app connects hospitals with accessible blood supplies. It leverages its SmartBag tag which is powered by a blockchain system to track the safety record of the blood.
The Ihangane Project a Rwanda-based research startup. Founded by Angele Ishimwe, the Ihangane project is a program that helps tackle healthcare worker burnout. The program helps offer stress management and mindfulness training. This helps boost positivity and stability among healthcare workers. It also improves health outcomes for patients.
mScan a Uganda-based startup. Founded by Prosper Ahimbisibwe, mScan is mobile scan designed to improve maternal mortality. mScan provides immediate information about the condition of pregnancy.
Uganics a Uganda-based startup. Founded by Joan Nalubega, Uganics is a mosquito repellent soap that helps prevent Malaria.
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