AFRICAN IMPACT INITIATIVE HEALTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE 2024 FOR EARLY-STAGE AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS ($ 25,000 CAD IN FUNDING AND FULLY FUNDED TO TORONTO, CANADA).

Application Deadline: April 15, 2024

Applications are now open for the 2024 African Impact Initiative Health Entrepreneurship Challenge. Inspired by The Prosperity Paradox, AIC is run in different African countries every year. In 2022 AIC launched the Pan-African Health Entrepreneurship Stream, which now runs annually with the support of Mastercard Foundation.

Teams that meet the eligibility criteria will undergo a comprehensive training and mentorship program, with up to $25,000 CAD in funding available for each top-performing venture selected. Top teams will also travel to Toronto, Canada, for a 3-month period with all expenses covered, to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and expand their network. The HENT Challenge is organized by the African Impact Initiative and the University of Toronto Entrepreneurship Accelerators (Health Innovation Hub (H2i), The Bridge, and I-Cube), supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the African Higher Education Health Collaborative.

Eligibility:

Young Africans (under 39) residing in the countries specified for the given year’s challenge. A commitment to pursuing impact-focused entrepreneurship as a livelihood. A commitment to addressing critical issues with technology. Full-time dedication from the team working on the venture. 2024 Health Entrepreneurship Stream: Ventures across Africa aimed at improving health outcomes. 2024 Country Innovation Stream: Scalable ventures based in Botswana from any sector. 2024 Community Impact Stream: Social enterprises or nonprofits based in Botswana.

Selection Criteria:

Solving a significant problem in the country with a comprehensive solution and clearly defined job(s) to be done. Utilization of technology in the creation and/or implementation of the solution. Preference for solutions targeting non-consumption by enhancing adoption, accessibility, and affordability. Preference for innovative, scalable business models.

Benefits:

Top-performing teams from pre-incubation will be interviewed and selected to enter the incubation phase. Incubation begins in July, and selected teams will receive funding and resources of up to $25,000 CAD each to develop their ventures, covering pre-seed funding and technology resources. One team member from each venture will visit the University of Toronto for 3 months, with travel and living expenses covered, to learn from Canada’s leading entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem while building their venture.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the African Impact Initiative Health Entrepreneurship Challenge

Source: OFA