Startups building tech-enabled solutions to address vision and eye-health challenges in Africa can now apply to the 2026 Villgro Africa Eye Health Innovation Accelerator. This programme — run by Villgro Africa in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation — offers catalytic funding, expert support, and market access for innovations that improve access to eye screening, diagnosis, treatment, and care across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
If you’re working on an eye-health tech product — from AI diagnostics to tele-ophthalmology — this could be a major opportunity to scale impact and secure investment.
What the Accelerator Offers (Benefits)
Catalytic seed funding of USD 100,000–250,000 (depending on stage), with potential follow-on investment.
Technical assistance and mentorship from experts in ophthalmology, digital health, and health-systems integration.
Market access support, connecting startups to hospitals, clinics, NGOs, referral networks and public-health institutions.
In-person bootcamp & peer-learning sessions, helping founders refine business models and scale approaches across African markets.
Investment readiness preparation, strengthening financial, operational, and regulatory readiness for growth and scaling.
This combination of capital, expertise, and networks can help vetted startups fast-track growth and expand access to quality eye care across Africa.
Who Should Apply (Eligibility)
Startups should meet the following criteria:
Legally registered in a Sub-Saharan African country.
Founder or senior leader must be a resident of an African country.
Offer a proven, tech-enabled, eye-health solution addressing major vision challenges (e.g. screening, diagnostics, tele-ophthalmology, data management, affordable devices).
Demonstrate traction, adoption, early revenue or active pilots — not just concept or idea stage.
Show clear potential to scale across LMIC markets, with a viable business model and alignment with public-health needs.
Pre-revenue ideas, academic-only prototypes, or purely donor-funded models without a sustainability model are not eligible.
What Types of Solutions Are in Scope (Focus Areas)
Villgro Africa is especially interested in innovations under these themes:
AI-driven diagnostic tools and retinal imaging technologies
Community-level screening and portable diagnostics for eye health
Digital eye-care platforms, tele-ophthalmology and remote screening services
Data management, EHR systems, workflow tools, and other digital health infrastructure for eye care
Affordable optical devices and assistive technologies for low-income populations
Application Deadline & Process
Deadline: 14 January 2026
To apply: Submit a completed application via the official Villgro Africa / VC4A portal, including: company pitch deck, brief on solution and impact, details on traction or pilot, team information, and financials (if available).
Optional but recommended: A short demo video or founder pitch to help illustrate your innovation.
