The Gates Foundation, along with a powerful network of global healthcare organizations and leaders, is leading a call for top African health-tech startups to apply for the 3rd cohort of Investing in Innovation Africa (i3).
i3, is partly funded by the Gates Foundation, in partnership with MSD, Cencora, Endless Foundation, HELP Logistics, Sanofi’s Global Health Unit, and Chemonics. The initiative aims to provide crucial resources to help health tech startups to scale their businesses and expand patient access across the continent.
The program seeks to select 15 leading startups, with 10 early-stage ventures focused on healthcare delivery or product distribution, and 5 growth-stage startups innovating in pharmacy care to be supported for the cohort.
Dr. Uchenna Igbokwe, CEO of the Solina Center for International Development and Research (SCIDaR), which coordinates the i3 program, emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative: “With the right resources, African-led companies can scale commercially while reaching underserved communities and creating jobs. The i3 program has demonstrated, in just two years, that an actively engaged network of leading global health institutions and partners can power African innovators to solve critical African problems in healthcare.”
Early-stage startups will receive a $50K grant, while growth-stage startups will receive a $225K grant. In addition to financial support, the selected startups will gain access to critical strategic connections that could unlock at least $30 million in partnerships, ultimately expanding patient access and creating jobs across the continent.
Since its launch, i3 has supported 60 African health innovators from 16 countries, with 43% of the ventures being women-led and 20% led by Francophone founders. The program has provided $3 million in direct grants, generated more than $11 million in contracted partnerships, and created nearly 1,000 jobs, half of which were held by women.
The application deadline for this 3rd Corhot is February 28th, 2025. The Selected startups will be announced on April 30. A virtual Q&A session will be hosted by i3 on February 21 to answer any questions regarding the application process.
Startups can apply at https://vc4a.com/investing-in-innovation/i3-2025/
