Introduction

Google for Startups has unveiled the 24 startups selected for the 2024 cohort of its Growth Academy: AI for Health programme. Among these innovative companies is Zoie Health, a South African digital health platform dedicated to providing affordable and accessible healthcare to underserved, high-need populations. This announcement highlights Zoie Health’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve health outcomes.

African Startups in the Spotlight

Alongside Zoie Health, two other African startups have been chosen: Thalia Psychotherapy from Kenya and Healthtracka from Nigeria. These selections underscore the significant potential within the African continent to revolutionize healthcare through artificial intelligence.

Programme Goals and Structure


Google’s Growth Academy: AI for Health programme is designed to support high-potential startups across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) that are using AI to innovate in healthcare and medical research. The three-month programme will provide participants with intensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Startups will participate in workshops on best practices for AI, leadership development, responsible innovation, product design, and customer acquisition. Google experts from various departments, including Research, Health, Verily, Fitbit, and DeepMind, will offer one-on-one mentorship sessions and technical project support.

Commitment to Innovation

Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Google Africa, emphasized the company’s dedication to fostering growth among innovative startups, particularly those addressing critical healthcare challenges through AI.

"We are committed to supporting the growth of innovative startups, particularly those that are leveraging AI to address critical healthcare challenges. The Growth Academy: AI for Health program is a testament to this commitment, and we are excited to see the impact these startups will have on the future of healthcare," said Ooko.

The 24 Participating Startups

The full list of startups selected for the Growth Academy: AI for Health programme includes:

  • Zoie Health (South Africa)
  • Aide (United Kingdom)
  • AmplifAI (Saudi Arabia)
  • Biorce (Portugal)
  • C the Signs (United Kingdom)
  • Callyope (France)
  • Clear.bio (Netherlands)
  • Ephion Health (Spain)
  • Exakt Health (Germany)
  • FiveLives (France)
  • Healthtracka (Nigeria)
  • HearMe (Poland)
  • Juniver (United Kingdom)
  • Mindgram (Poland)
  • Motherbeing (Egypt)
  • Noah Labs (Germany)
  • Nui (Germany)
  • O7 Therapy (Egypt)
  • Powerful Medical (Slovakia)
  • Research Grid (United Kingdom)
  • Rofim (France)
  • Sycai Medical (Spain)
  • Thalia Psychotherapy (Kenya)
  • TibuHealth (Kenya)

Zoie Health’s inclusion in the Google Growth Academy: AI for Health programme is a significant milestone for the startup and a promising development for healthcare innovation in Africa. By participating in this intensive training programme, Zoie Health and other selected startups will be better equipped to leverage AI in transforming healthcare and addressing critical health challenges in their regions.