HealthTech entrepreneurs and innovators across Africa are invited to apply for the Timbuktoo HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme 2024, a unique opportunity designed to support and scale transformative healthcare solutions.
Unlocking Africa’s HealthTech Potential
With a projected digital health market value of $11 billion by 2025, Africa’s HealthTech landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. The Timbuktoo HealthTech Hub seeks to tackle these challenges by nurturing startups that leverage advanced technologies to develop scalable, impactful solutions.
Key areas of interest include artificial intelligence-powered diagnostics, locally manufactured medical devices, and biotechnology tailored specifically to African contexts. The program’s mission is to build a full-stack HealthTech industry that meets the unique needs of the continent, fostering African-led innovation in the healthcare space.
Essential Criteria for Applicants
The Timbuktoo HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme is geared towards entrepreneurs and startups that align with the following criteria:
- Technology-Enabled Solutions: Startups must have a digital, tech-driven solution at their core, focused on improving healthcare outcomes.
- Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Solutions should contribute to the United Nations’ SDGs, addressing critical challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
- High Scalability: Whether through digital channels or market expansion, startups should demonstrate high scalability.
- Defensible Position: Startups should have a competitive edge, whether through intellectual property, market dominance, or domain expertise.
- Innovation and Uniqueness: Solutions should present innovative approaches to solving healthcare challenges, with the potential for significant impact in the HealthTech space.
- Technical Feasibility: Solutions should have a sound scientific or technical foundation, with a realistic development timeline.
- Regulatory Compliance: Startups must demonstrate awareness of healthcare regulations and a clear path for obtaining necessary approvals.
Additional Focus Areas
Startups with expertise in the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:
- Disease Prevention: Technologies for early detection, predictive analytics, and lifestyle interventions.
- Community Advocacy: Solutions that support public health outreach, education, and community health worker systems.
- Vaccine and Medicine Production: Innovations in vaccine development, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and drug discovery platforms.
- Medical Robotics and Automation: Advances in surgical robotics, AI-assisted procedures, and diagnostic automation.
- Genomics: Solutions in personalized medicine, genetic testing, and gene therapy.
- Biomedical Systems: Innovations in medical imaging, sensor technologies, and regenerative medicine.
- Patient Care: Telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and electronic health record management.
Eligibility Requirements for the Timbuktoo HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme 2024
The Timbuktoo HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme seeks groundbreaking founders and innovators from across Africa who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Startups must be led by founders who are citizens of an African Union member state.
- Startups must be registered and operational within Africa.
- Startups must have been in operation for at least one year and demonstrate a clear ability to address development challenges.
- Applicants must have a technology-based solution that addresses health needs.
- Startups should have a Minimum Viable Solution (MVS) and must comply with regulatory standards, if applicable.
- Strong corporate governance and accountability frameworks should be in place.
The program is designed to empower African entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for African startups to access funding, mentorship, and industry resources, ensuring their solutions can scale and thrive in the competitive HealthTech market.
Programme Timeline
The Timbuktoo HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme follows a structured timeline, providing entrepreneurs with ample time to develop and refine their solutions:
- Application and Selection Process: August 2024 – October 2024.
- Bootcamp: November 2024 – December 2024, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from November 7th to 17th, 2024.
- Incubation and Acceleration: January 2025 – May 2025.
The bootcamp phase will offer hands-on mentorship, product refinement, and strategic coaching. The most promising startups will receive long-term support, including market access, partnership facilitation, and capital-raising assistance. Startups selected for the incubation phase can also secure up to $100,000 USD in equity-free funding, making this an unmatched opportunity for African entrepreneurs.
Key Benefits for Participants
Participants in the Timbuktoo HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme will enjoy a wide array of benefits, including:
- Membership in the pioneer cohort of the Timbuktoo HealthTech Hub.
- Mentorship from industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.
- Equity-free funding of up to $100,000 USD.
- Networking with potential partners, collaborators, and customers.
- Access to investor networks and UN and AfCTA systems.
- Resources and support to drive growth and enhance impact.
- The chance to contribute to the ongoing development of a pan-African HealthTech ecosystem.
Apply for the Timbuktoo HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme 2024
Interested startups can apply by completing the application form found here. Applications are open from August 27, 2024, until October 6, 2024.
Explore More Funding Opportunities
For those seeking further opportunities for African startups, visit the Dadupa Call for Projects page for a comprehensive list of funding and competition opportunities for African entrepreneurs.