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#AIforHealth Innovation Challenge

Call for applications for HealthTech innovations using artificial intelligence in public health systems in Africa.

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What is the AI4Health Challenge

The HealthTech Hub Africa, a hybrid pan-African health tech accelerator, is launching the #AIforHealth Innovation Challenge.

The challenge will provide funding to an innovative HealthTech solution that is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve health outcomes in Africa. The challenge aims to encourage responsible and appropriate use of AI- powered solutions that can be integrated into public health systems across the continent.

HTHA start-ups and scale-ups are eligible to apply. This funding opportunity is made possible through the partnership between The HealthTech Hub Africa and The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.

AI4Health

Why is this important?

As technology continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly apparent that access to and use of advanced technology is essential to improving health outcomes. The World Health Organization has identified digital health interventions and predictive tools in healthcare as key accelerators in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the goal 3 of ensuring good health and well-being for all.

In recognition of this, The HealthTech Hub Africa launches the #AIforHealth challenge to promote innovative solutions that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in a responsible and appropriate manner to advance health outcomes in Africa.

The #AIforHealth challenge presents an opportunity for technology innovators, community providers, grassroots organisations, and governments to come together to validate and refine implementable and sustainable solutions to help improve health outcomes in Africa.

By providing a platform for collaboration and innovation through technology, the HTHA seeks to support the creation of solutions that address the unique challenges faced by the African healthcare landscape.

Who Can Apply?

HTHA Cohort members and alumni

  • Start-ups and scale-ups from the HTHA 2022 and 2023 cohorts are welcome to submit proposals with their fit-to-purpose solutions corresponding to the challenge brief. HTHA startups and scaleups may partner or collaborate with local and international organisations that are not part of the HTHA official network, but note that no additional subgrants will be allowed.

Exceptions

  • Startups and scaleups that have already received a HTHA grant award for a project are not eligible to apply.

Which projects are we looking for?

  • The solutions at the core of the project proposals should have solid proof of validation and traction. We welcome new and proof-of-concept innovations as long as they are ready for early-stage implementation during the project duration.
  • The applicants must showcase the potential for impact within the public healthcare systems. The expectation is for companies and governments to meaningfully partner to test the viability of the project and the potential for impact.
  • The project duration should not exceed 6 months and should be designed so that the company should deliver this at cost to the public – thereby enhancing the availability and delivery of necessary services to meet the healthcare needs of one or more underserved communities or populations.

Funding Information

One applicant (“the grantee”) will receive:

  • One grant of up to $150,000
  • Access to the expansive networks of BETTEReHEALTH, DHIS2, and HISP and the opportunity to showcase the grantee’s solution to a broader audience through a collaborative webinar with BETTEReHEALTH.
  • Access to a network of public healthcare champions and mentors.
  • Pro bono resources and technical support from members of the public-private partner network of the HealthTech Hub Africa.
  • HealthTech Hub Africa Project Completion Certificate.
  • Opportunity to present the grantee’s project results during the HTHA Summits in Kigali, Rwanda and/or Dakar, Senegal, in 2023/2024.

Evaluation Committee

The evaluation of applications will be done by an intersectoral committee composed of the official partner network of the HealthTech Hub Africa and government champions from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, Botswana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, Cameroon, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Libya and others. We may engage additional outside experts.

What you need to submit

1. #AIforHealth – HealthTech Innovation Solution Assessment

Download Assessment Form

2. Project Proposal: max 4 A4 pages (one pdf only containing the below items)

  • Description of the solution and its impact (indicators and targets)
  • Implementation plan
  • Description of the technology
  • Profiles of team members
  • Similar experiences in the field
  • Budget and payment plan

3. Applicant organization’s intro deck (max 10 slides, one pdf only)

4. The budget overview in Excel

5. Annex: (one pdf only containing the below items)

  • Core project team resumes.
  • References and/or letters of intent from public health stakeholders and other partners.

Terms and Conditions

  1. The receipt of grant funding under this challenge is contingent upon the selected organization demonstrating the ability to use the funds exclusively to further the agreed-upon charitable purposes. As a condition of the grant, the grantee will be required to enter into a detailed grant agreement setting forth specific terms and conditions regarding, among other things, the required use of the grant; express prohibitions on certain impermissible uses of grant funds, and grantee reporting requirements.
  2. Failure to strictly abide by the grant requirements and restrictions may cause the grant to be revoked and the grantee to be required to repay any misused funds.

The application deadline already passed on June 28th, 23:59:59 PM CET.