Investing in Innovation launches new cohort!
Investing in Innovation Africa (i3), a pan-African initiative to support African healthtech startups in commercialising and scaling their offerings, is calling for leading innovators to join its 3rd cohort.
In response to the U.S. State Department’s stop-work directive for foreign aid, the program is making a pivotal change to its selection process, and will prioritise immediate support for 5-7 growth-stage companies building the Future of Pharmacy care in Africa, and rapidly expanding access to health products. The program will offer selected startups 3 critical resources: up to $225,000 in risk-tolerant grants, introductions to potential customers and tailored counsel to close partnership deals.
i3 is funded by 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 Solina Centre for International Development and Research.
More information is available here.
Deadline: February 28, 2025
Geography-specific opportunities
Benin: LuxAid is inviting Beninese companies with innovative and high-impact digital solutions to apply for co-financing through the LuxAid Challenge Fund. The fund provides up to €140,000 to support commercially viable projects across different sectors, including healthtech. More information is available here.
Deadline: February 18, 2025
Nigeria: The Tony Elumelu Foundation is accepting applications for its Entrepreneurship Program, aimed at supporting early-stage African businesses that have been operating for less than 5 years. Selected participants will receive business management training and support. More information is available here.
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Pan-African opportunities
Google is accepting applications for its Generative AI Accelerator program, offering structured support and funding to social impact companies leveraging AI. Selected participants will receive $500,000 to $2 million, along with additional benefits and support. Learn more here.
Deadline: February 10, 2025
Applications are open for the Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program. Selected startups will receive one-on-one mentorship from Qualcomm leaders, participate in masterclasses, and connect with industry leaders and investors during a demo day. Apply here.
Deadline: February 16, 2025
The Bayer Foundation is seeking to support 15 women-led companies building innovative and sustainable solutions for healthcare and food security. Selected applicants will receive €25,000 and participate in a 6-month accelerator program, among other benefits. More information is available here.
Deadline: February 18, 2025
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is accepting applications for the fifth cohort of the Home Grown Solutions Accelerator. The program seeks to provide tailored support to growth-stage and mature African healthcare companies working to improve pandemic resilience in healthcare systems. More information is available here.
Deadline: February 28, 2025
