The i3 program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering innovation in Africa’s healthcare sector, has recently announced a fresh call for applications. With an ambitious $7 million investment, this program is sponsored by prominent organizations such as the Gates Foundation and aims to support 30 HealthTech startups annually for a duration of two years. The initiative is primarily focused on addressing the challenges faced by healthcare product distribution companies across the African continent and seeks innovative solutions to enhance healthcare access and affordability.

The i3 program, which is supported by key partners including the African Union Development Agency (AUDA NEPAD), the World Health Organization AFRO (WHO AFRO), Merck Group (MSD), and AmerisourceBergen, seeks to empower startups with the necessary resources to drive transformative advancements in the healthcare industry.

Ms. Salma Kabbaj and Ms. Aïda El Kohen, the respective Co-founder of IMPACT Lab and Consultant at Southbridge A&I, are among the leading figures behind this program. Their expertise and dedication are instrumental in supporting the growth of HealthTech startups in Africa.

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The selected startups will not only benefit from a systematic grant of $50,000 but also gain invaluable support in accessing markets and securing vital funding opportunities. Through this support, the i3 program aims to bridge the funding gap faced by many startups in the healthcare sector, where access to equity financing has been historically limited.

One of the primary objectives of the program is to encourage and empower women entrepreneurs in the medical innovation field. The initiative recognizes the significant role of women in driving innovation and seeks to foster their leadership in the healthcare sector.

Startups interested in applying to the program should meet the following criteria: they must be African-founded and serve the African market, irrespective of their geographical location. Additionally, they should be operational, either in their early stages with secured initial customers or in a growth phase. The i3 program is particularly interested in startups that provide innovative solutions to optimize healthcare product supply chains, secure access to healthcare products in underserved areas, ensure product quality and traceability, and efficiently manage waste.

IMPACT Lab, a prominent innovation accelerator in Africa, plays a vital role in implementing the i3 program in French-speaking Africa. They are responsible for mobilizing and selecting startups for the program, as well as facilitating meetings between startups and potential partners. Through workshops and expert consultations, IMPACT Lab will help startups frame their financing needs, accelerate their market traction, and prepare for successful fundraising.

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The application window is open until August 14, and startups can submit their applications through the program’s official website: https://innovationsinafrica.com. By participating in the i3 program, HealthTech startups can access a wealth of opportunities, build valuable partnerships, and make a significant impact on Africa’s healthcare landscape.

The i3 program’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting healthcare startups highlights its dedication to driving sustainable development and progress in Africa. Through collaboration and investment, this initiative holds the potential to transform healthcare delivery, improve accessibility, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for millions of people across the continent.

i3 program health Africa i3 program health Africa

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Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. 
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard