Tech in Africa
Access Afya is one of the first startups to receive funding from Solve – an initiative that aims to change the world and inspired by the Massachusetts University of Technology (MIT). It is run by Melissa Menke, who is the Founder and CEO.
The Kenyan healthcare startup is a proud recipient of US$900,000 – courtesy of the Solve innovation future. This is part of their attempt to achieve a transformational impact by supporting tech-based social entrepreneurs. They offer debt, equity, or other alternative solutions.
MIT Solve relies on its extensive network of connections to identify tech solutions that actually make a difference. This network comprises innovators, MIT students, member organizations, and faculty. Funding ranges from $75,000 to $250,000.
In the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, MIT Solve came up with a Global Challenge to support tech solutions that can either slow or track the spread of the virus. Some of the startups aim at improving personal hygiene, analyze data, inform their decision making, or provide tools that are essential for healthcare workers. Access Afya runs a healthcare operating system targeted at the urban poor enabling digitized affordable healthcare. They will also train the healthcare workers they shall work with.
Thus far, the fund has invested in other ventures namely; the Mexican app on childcare kinedu aimed at toddlers and helps in fostering early childhood development. Their second investment is aimed at the U.S based blockchain-powered commerce platform Queen of Raw.
