Transforming Healthcare in Africa Through Innovation

The Timbuktoo HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme is inviting visionary HealthTech entrepreneurs and innovators with groundbreaking ideas to transform healthcare in Africa. If you are committed to leveraging technology to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have a scalable, defensible solution with clear monetization strategies, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact.

Opportunities and Challenges

With a projected $11 billion digital health market by 2025, Africa’s HealthTech landscape presents immense opportunities alongside its challenges. There is an urgent need to address critical healthcare gaps, and the Timbuktoo HealthTech Hub aims to be a catalyst in building a robust HealthTech industry across the continent.

Focus Areas: Driving Innovation in HealthTech

The Timbuktoo HealthTech Hub is focused on fostering startups that are developing groundbreaking solutions in deep tech, hardware, and advanced technologies. Key areas of interest include:

  • AI-Driven Diagnostics: Utilizing artificial intelligence for more accurate and efficient diagnostics.
  • Locally Manufactured Medical Devices: Developing and producing medical devices tailored to local needs.
  • Biotechnology: Innovating in biotechnology to address unique African healthcare challenges.

These focus areas are designed to lay the foundation for a flourishing full-stack HealthTech industry in Africa.

Eligibility Criteria: Are You the Right Fit?

To qualify for the Timbuktoo HealthTech Hub, startups must meet the following criteria:

  • Technology-Enabled Solution: Your startup should have a core technology that drives innovation and efficiency in healthcare.
  • Contribution to SDGs: Solutions must align with and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
  • High Scalability: Demonstrating the potential for rapid scaling across markets is essential.
  • Defensible Position: Startups should have a sustainable competitive advantage, such as IP rights, network effects, or regional market dominance.
  • Innovation and Uniqueness: A novel approach with the potential for disruptive impact in healthcare.
  • Technical Feasibility: The solution must have a solid scientific and technical basis, with a realistic development timeline.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Awareness and strategy for navigating relevant healthcare regulations are crucial.

Targeted HealthTech Areas

Startups focused on the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

  • Disease Prevention: Technologies for early detection, predictive health analytics, and lifestyle interventions.
  • Clinical Preventive Frameworks and Community Advocacy: Public health outreach, community health worker support, and health education platforms.
  • Vaccine and Medicine Production: Innovative approaches to vaccine development, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and drug discovery platforms.
  • Medical Robotics and Automation: Surgical robotics, automated diagnostic systems, and AI-assisted medical procedures.
  • Genomics: Personalized medicine, genetic testing, counseling platforms, and gene therapy technologies.
  • Biomedical Systems: Advanced medical imaging, biomedical sensors, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
  • Patient Care Journey: Telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, electronic health records, and patient engagement solutions.
  • Pandemic/Health Emergencies Management: Solutions focused on managing health crises.
  • Malnutrition and Stunting: Addressing critical issues in nutrition and child health.

Monetization Strategies

Your startup should have clear and sustainable monetization strategies, showcasing a path to profitability and long-term financial viability.

Programme Timeline and Benefits

  • Application and Selection Process: August 2024 – October 2024
  • Bootcamp: November 2024 – December 2024 (Kigali, Rwanda, November 7th – 17th, 2024)
  • Incubation & Acceleration: January 2025 – May 2025

Startups selected for incubation and acceleration will benefit from a comprehensive support package, including:

  • Membership in the Timbuktoo HealthTech Hub: Join the pioneer cohort and the wider Timbuktoo ecosystem.
  • Mentorship: Access to industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs.
  • Equity-Free Funding: Up to $100,000 USD in non-dilutive grants.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with potential partners, collaborators, and customers.
  • Access to Investor Networks: Enhance your chances of securing further investment.
  • Growth and Impact Resources: Support to accelerate your startup’s growth and maximize impact.
  • UN and AfCFTA Networks: Leverage connections within the larger UN system and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Apply Now

Don’t miss your chance to be part of a transformative journey. Complete your application here by October 6th, 2024.