Grace Ashiru
Tom Kinyanjui, co-founder and CEO of Neural Labs Africa, a medical technology firm specializing in using artificial intelligence to enhance medical imaging diagnosis, emphasized the need for greater support for technology innovators from the African continent. According to Kinyanjui, this support is crucial for these innovators to fully realize their potential in advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Investment and support for technological innovators from African countries and other emerging economies have improved over the years, he noted, but there is still a considerable journey ahead.
“Tech entrepreneurs are crucial for driving transformative change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals more effectively and sustainably, especially because they accelerate innovation by leveraging cutting-edge technologies,” he emphasized.
A lack of trust in experimental technology and the perception that Africa is a risky environment are among the many challenges faced by tech startups, such as Neural Labs, Kinyanjui pointed out.
Based in Kenya, Neural Labs launched in 2021 and utilizes computer imaging and artificial intelligence to diagnose diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and emphysema in real time, aiming to enhance access to diagnostics. Currently, nearly half of the global population lacks access to diagnostic services, with low- and middle-income countries in Africa being particularly impacted.
Thanks to an investment from the UNICEF Venture Fund, Neural Labs has begun testing the effectiveness of their technology by collaborating with hospitals to conduct clinical trials. According to Kinyanjui, increased funding like this is crucial in emerging economies to empower those with firsthand experience of these challenges to create innovative, lifesaving technologies.
In a discussion with Devex, he detailed the obstacles facing tech entrepreneurs in Africa today and highlighted ways the industry can better support the next wave of healthcare technology developers.
Tech entrepreneurs have a vital role to play in the era of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leveraging technology to create sustainable solutions. By adopting data-driven decision-making processes and optimizing resources, these entrepreneurs can significantly enhance both effectiveness and efficiency.
Additionally, tech entrepreneurs are instrumental in promoting sustainable business models and advancing green technologies, thereby contributing to a more environmentally friendly future. They also help foster inclusivity and equity, working to bridge the digital divide. Furthermore, their efforts are crucial in making digital resources more affordable and accessible, ensuring that more people can benefit from technological advancements.
The current level of investment and support for young tech innovators and entrepreneurs in emerging markets is on the rise. There are increasing opportunities for funding, with more venture capital funds, angel investors, and accelerator programs becoming available. Additionally, ecosystem development and policy infrastructure are improving. However, challenges persist in terms of awareness and accessibility to these programs. Issues related to trust and perception, particularly concerning investments in Africa, remain significant hurdles. Moreover, there is a need for enhanced mentorship and capacity-building initiatives to support these entrepreneurs.
When it comes to developing an AI solution in an emerging market through Neural Labs, my experience has shown that accessing funding was initially challenging, although we managed to secure some through participation in hackathons. Another major hurdle has been obtaining high-quality, region-specific medical data. In more developed regions, robust data infrastructures are typically in place, but in many parts of Africa, the data landscape is often fragmented, making it difficult or nearly impossible to access reliable data. This is largely due to the lack of adequate infrastructure for data storage and processing.
Another challenge is the talent pool. Unlike our counterparts, particularly those in the East and West who stay current with technological advancements, our talent still lags behind in terms of tech expertise.
To navigate these obstacles, we are focusing on building partnerships and developing localized solutions to tackle local disease burdens. We are also exploring ways to enhance talent development and, importantly, engaging with the community.
What additional steps could be taken to better invest in the talent and initiatives of young tech innovators in a context like Africa?
I believe the first step would be to invest in entrepreneurial education and courses, which would be immensely beneficial in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Providing training, mentorship, and access to networks can greatly strengthen the skills and abilities of young innovators. Furthermore, offering access to various funding sources, such as those available through hackathons, incubators, and accelerators, is crucial.
Strengthening both digital and physical infrastructure would be highly beneficial. This encompasses access to the internet, reliable power supply, and the availability of modern working spaces. Additionally, mentorship and networking opportunities would be invaluable, allowing entrepreneurs to connect with seasoned experts who have navigated this path before.
Moreover, open-source technologies present a significant opportunity for development. By encouraging collaboration, we can invite developers to share their insights, which in turn simplifies the rollout of solutions. With access to platforms like GitHub repositories, individuals can deploy tech solutions more easily and reach a wider audience across the continent, facilitating the implementation of these solutions.
Investments and support in these areas could have a profound impact on achieving health-related SDGs. Enhanced funding and technical support would boost advancements in diagnostics and treatments, particularly through the integration of machine learning, AI, and personalized medicine—key components of the future we envision. Furthermore, such support would strengthen health systems and develop digital infrastructure within the healthcare sector. The result would be increased efficiency, cost savings, improved supply chains, and greater patient engagement.
The UNICEF Venture Fund played a significant role in supporting Neural Labs, primarily through mentorship. They provided invaluable guidance and expertise that helped shape our strategic direction in terms of technology, healthcare, and overall impact.
Another crucial aspect of their mentorship was skills development. They focused on enhancing our business and technology skills, particularly in areas like data management and market strategies. This support equipped our team with essential skills and insights, along with providing access to funding.
