Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) is calling for African health-tech startups to join its third cohort. The program helps startups scale their solutions and expand access to healthcare.
Funded by the Gates Foundation, i3 offers selected startups grants, connections to potential customers, and tailored advice for partnerships. Startups focused on healthcare delivery or pharmacy care are encouraged to apply.
The program funded by Gates Foundation will select 15 leading startups. Ten early-stage startups will each receive $50,000, while five growth-stage startups will get $225,000. The grants will help startups forge partnerships that increase patient access across Africa.
In its first two years, i3 supported 60 health innovators across 16 African countries. The program distributed $3 million in grants and facilitated 450 partnerships worth over $11 million. These efforts created nearly 1,000 jobs, with half held by women.
Also Read: PBR Life Sciences Secures $1M to Expand AI-Driven Healthcare Analytics Across Africa
i3, Gates Foundation Empowering African-Led Health Innovations
i3 aims to support startups through partnerships with key health organizations, targeting relationships worth $30 million. It focuses on expanding patient access and creating local jobs.
Dr. Uchenna Igbokwe, CEO of SCIDaR, said, “With the right resources, African-led companies can scale commercially while reaching underserved communities and creating jobs.”
The program has proven the value of global health networks in solving African healthcare challenges. This is evident from its success in previous cohorts.
Oghenetega Iortim, CEO of Figorr, shared, “We partnered with the Nigerian government to track over 200M health products. Through i3, we met major global customers who were excited to expand Figorr’s impact both in Nigeria and beyond.”
Applications are open until February 28, 2025. i3 will announce the selected startups on April 30. It will host a virtual Q&A session on February 21 to guide applicants.
Salient Advisory and Solina Center for Research and Development (SCIDaR) coordinate i3. Selection will be led by CcHUB and Villgro Africa, alongside African health experts.