Kenya Healthcare Innovation Program

The Kenya Healthcare Innovation Program is a joint program between Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), Villgro Africa, ICChangeand Kijenzi.

In line with KeNIA’s directive to accelerate disruptive innovation towards Kenya 2.0, these organizations are delighted to partner in a search for healthcare entrepreneurs with ideas, devices, technologies or software that have the potential to ensure affordable healthcare to all Kenyans. The program will culminate in a business pitching contest and award ceremony during Kenya Innovation Week in December 2021.

The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) is a State Corporation established under the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Act, No. 28 of 2013 under the Ministry of Education. The core mandate of the Agency is to develop and manage the National Innovation System. The Agency is therefore responsible for co-ordination, promotion and regulation of the National Innovation Ecosystem.

Villgro Africa is an early-stage business incubator and impact investor that supports health, life science and agricultural startups on the African continent – to transform product and process innovations into viable, scalable businesses that impact the base of the economic pyramid (BoP).

ICChange is a global, collaborative social enterprise network committed to improving the quality of life and security of vulnerable populations worldwide.  Their work in Kenya is focused in the medical and urban entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Kijenzi is a digital manufacturer operating a network of hubs intended to supply replacement parts, medical devices, and occupational therapy tools. The company digitize the supply chain and do all the manufacturing at local facilities, serving customers better by shortening wait times and lowering costs.

Innovation bootcamp

As part of the initiative, an innovation bootcamp will provide selected entrepreneurs with business skills to support commercially viable products and services, and strengthen the capacity of Kenyan innovators with regards to scaling their enterprise and impact. Financial awards of up to $5K USD, including incubation support, will be presented to the top 3 finalists during the Kenya Innovation Week Start-up pitching event.

Areas of focus include:

• Devices
• Equipment
• Services
• Software & Apps

For additional information, please contact Edwin Osora at edwin@villgroafrica.org