Are you a visionary HealthTech entrepreneur/innovator with a groundbreaking idea to transform healthcare in Africa and committed to leveraging innovation to contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Do you have a scalable, defendable solution with clear monetization strategies? Apply now to join the UNDP timbuktoo HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme 2024.
Africa’s HealthTech landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, with a projected $11 billion digital health market by 2025. To address critical healthcare gaps, there’s an urgent need to establish a robust HealthTech hub.
This initiative aims to foster startups developing groundbreaking solutions in deep tech, hardware, and advanced technologies. Key areas include AI-driven diagnostics, locally manufactured medical devices, and biotechnology tailored to African needs. The hub can provide a foundation for building a flourishing full stack HealthTech industry.
Eligibility
Groundbreaking founders and innovators across Africa who are already building startups that meet the following criteria:
Startups with founders who are nationals of an African Country.
Startups must be registered and operating within Africa.
Startups must have been in operation for a minimum of one year.
Startups must address development challenges.
Must be a technology-based solution.
Startups must have a Minimum Viable Solution (MVS) (regulated and licenced if necessary).
Startups should have existing corporate governance systems and accountability.
This application is limited to citizens of the African Union member states.
Selection Criteria
The timbuktoo HealthTech hub aims to support innovative startups that meet the following key criteria:
Technology-Enabled Solution: Your startup must have a technology-enabled solution at its core, utilising digital tools and platforms to drive innovation and efficiency in the financial sector.
Contribution Towards the SDGs: Your solution should align with and contribute towards one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and more.
High Scalability: Your startup should demonstrate high scalability either through digital distribution channels or the ability to scale sales rapidly across markets.
Defensible Position: Your startup should have a defensible position, whether through Intellectual Property (IP) rights, network effects, domain expertise, or regional market dominance, ensuring sustainable competitive advantage in the HealthTech landscape.
Innovation and uniqueness: Novel approach to solving health challenges, potential for disruptive impact in the healthcare sector
Technical feasibility: Sound scientific/technical basis for the solution, realistic development timeline
Regulatory compliance: Awareness of relevant healthcare regulations, strategy for obtaining necessary approvals
Benefits
Membership in the pioneer cohort of timbuktoo HealthTech Hub and entire Timbuktoo ecosystem.
Mentorship from industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Equity-free funding of up to $100,000 USD.
Networking with potential partners, collaborators, and customers.
Access to investor networks.
Resources and support to accelerate growth and impact.
Access to networks and agencies within the larger UN system.
Access to networks and resources within the AfCTA system.
Impact and shape a pan-African HealthTech evolution.
