Grace Ashiru
HealthTech Hub Africa (HTHA) is a hybrid pan-African healthtech accelerator that combines a physical co-working space in Kigali, Rwanda, with a robust support system for innovation. Established by the Novartis Foundation and backed by the Global Fund and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, HTHA is dedicated to tackling health challenges by seamlessly integrating innovative solutions into public health systems through collaboration with key government stakeholders.
The accelerator is implemented by Jhpiego and Villgro Africa, providing entrepreneurs with a dynamic platform to build sustainable businesses while driving significant health impact. Startups participating in the 2025 HealthTech Hub Africa Accelerator Program will benefit from validation of their solutions, accelerated growth, and access to a network of the right partners and contributors within the healthtech sector and public health systems.
Who Should Apply?
The 2025 cohort seeks ventures from across Africa offering innovative solutions, including hardware, software, data analytics, AI technologies, biotech, and more. We are looking for businesses with models designed for collaboration with local and national governments, aiming to address pressing health challenges or support the digital transformation of public health systems.
Applicants will be assessed based on their potential to tackle challenges within one or more of the four thematic focus areas of the Hub. Other evaluation criteria include product excellence, team strength, market fit, and a sustainable, scalable model that integrates with public health systems.
Thematic Areas
•Virtual Health: Proactive and preventive health management
•Virtual Care: Diagnosis, management, and treatment of health conditions
•Climate and Health: Addressing health challenges driven by climate change
•Data-Driven Decision-Making for Health Systems
Eligibility Criteria
•Must be registered in Africa
•Team should have at least two full-time members, with at least one founder being an African national or permanent resident of an African country
•Must align with one or more of the four HealthTech Hub Africa thematic categories
•Should be at a post-revenue or seed stage
•Must have been in operation for at least one year
•Should already be working with or planning to collaborate with the public (government) health sector, in addition to other private-sector models
Benefits of Participation
•Access to office and meeting spaces at Norrsken House, Kigali
•Eligibility for exclusive funding opportunities throughout the year and as an alum of HealthTech Hub Africa
•Diagnostic panels, expert-led masterclasses, and self-paced online learning content
•One-on-one mentorship from industry professionals specializing in population health and technology
•Public speaking and pitch training sessions
•Investment readiness support and access to HealthTech Hub Africa’s Investor Circle
•Opportunities for community support, peer learning, and collaborations
•Invitations to networking meetups and hybrid events in Kigali and across Africa
•Opportunities to pitch during the annual HealthTech Hub Africa Investor Summit
•Access to relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies involved in health technology
•Support to navigate national digital health strategies and roadmaps, with guidance on forming public-private partnerships
•Introductions to digital interoperability standards, such as HL7 FHIR, Open HIE, and WHO SMART Guidelines
•Access to the HealthTech Hub Africa Standards & Interoperability Lab for testing and public sector integration support
•Opportunities offered through the HealthTech Hub Africa partner network, including startup awards, research collaborations, and funding opportunities
How to Apply
Click here to apply. The application deadline is Friday, January 17, 2025.
