HealthTech Hub Africa (HTHA) is a hybrid pan-African healthtech accelerator that provides a cutting-edge platform for health-focused startups to thrive. Combining a physical co-working space in Kigali, Rwanda, with extensive support systems, the accelerator enables entrepreneurs to seamlessly integrate innovative solutions into public health systems by collaborating with government stakeholders.
Founded by the Novartis Foundation and supported by the Global Fund and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, HTHA is implemented by Jhpiego and Villgro Africa, focusing on fostering health innovations that make a tangible impact.
Why Apply to the HTHA Accelerator Program?
The 2025 HealthTech Hub Africa Accelerator Program is designed to validate, scale, and connect groundbreaking health solutions with key players in the healthtech ecosystem, ensuring alignment with national and regional public health priorities. Participants benefit from a wide array of tools, mentorship opportunities, and networking platforms to enhance their ventures’ growth and impact.
Who Should Apply?
The program seeks African startups that provide innovative solutions, including:
- Hardware innovations such as medical devices.
- Software and digital tools to improve healthcare delivery.
- Data analytics and AI technologies aimed at health systems optimization.
- Biotechnology solutions addressing regional health challenges.
Your venture should aim to collaborate with local or national governments to address public health challenges, improve service delivery, or support the digital transformation of healthcare systems.
Eligibility Criteria
- Location: Must be a registered entity in Africa.
- Team Composition: At least two full-time members, with one founder being an African national or permanent resident.
- Business Stage: Post-revenue or seed stage, operational for a minimum of one year.
- Thematic Focus: Solutions must align with at least one of the four focus areas:
- Virtual Health: Proactive health management and preventive care.
- Virtual Care: Tools for diagnosis, management, and treatment.
- Climate and Health: Addressing health impacts linked to climate change.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Enhancing health systems through analytics.
- Collaboration: Ventures should actively work with or plan to collaborate with government public health systems.
Benefits of Participation
By joining the accelerator, startups gain access to:
- Resources and Workspace:
- Fully equipped office spaces at Norrsken House in Kigali.
- Access to a standards and interoperability lab for public sector integration.
- Funding Opportunities:
- Eligibility for exclusive funding during and after the program.
- Opportunities to pitch at the Investor Summit and join the Investor Circle.
- Capacity Building:
- Diagnostic panels and expert-led masterclasses on healthtech and population health.
- One-on-one mentorship tailored to public health innovation.
- Self-paced online learning modules to enhance business and technical skills.
- Government and Industry Networking:
- Access to relevant government ministries and departments.
- Guidance on navigating digital health strategies and forming public-private partnerships.
- Introductions to interoperability standards like HL7 FHIR, Open HIE, and WHO SMART Guidelines.
- Visibility and Peer Learning:
- Invitations to networking events across Africa.
- Opportunities for community support and collaboration with like-minded innovators.
- Research collaborations and eligibility for partner awards.
How to Apply
- Review Eligibility: Ensure your venture meets the program’s requirements, including thematic focus and stage of development.
- Craft a Strong Application: Emphasize how your innovation aligns with HTHA’s focus areas, demonstrates scalability, and has the potential for public health impact. Highlight collaboration efforts with government entities.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the application form via the program’s website before the deadline: January 17, 2025.
Why It Matters
By participating in the HealthTech Hub Africa Accelerator, startups not only gain the tools and resources needed to grow but also play a pivotal role in addressing Africa’s most pressing health challenges. From increasing access to care in underserved regions to improving efficiency in health systems, the program empowers entrepreneurs to lead the charge toward a healthier, more equitable future.
Take the leap and join the movement shaping Africa’s healthtech landscape!
