Sanofi Calls For Applications For African Healthcare Startup Challenge

Pharmaceutical firm Sanofi is calling for entries to the Afric@Tech start-ups challenge targeted at entrepreneurs in the medical and healthcare sectors in Africa.

The challenge is aimed at identifying and rewarding the best startups in their goal of boosting practices in the health sector on the continent.

Commenting on the challenge, Thibault Crosnier Leconte, the country chairman and RX general manager, Sanofi SA said: “For over 50 years, we have been committed to improving access to medicines and healthcare for all African communities and people. We feel it is our responsibility to accompany, develop and shine a light on these talented South African start-ups.

According to a statement, Africa@Tech comprises three challenges aimed at providing innovative and adapted solutions to improve access to medicine and healthcare in Africa.

Selection criteria:

• African startups with at least a proof of concept with positive results in one Africa country.
• Maturity: including technology, seniority, workforce, turnover, fundraising
• Relevance of solution, market potential & business model
• Skills & Expertise including team skills & prior experiences
• Scientific evidence is requested when applicable

Application Timeline

February 15th-applications closes

March 19th-Startup selections

March 26-Startups presence confirmation

May 24-26-Come to Viva Tech

The first challenge focuses on new tech solutions for earlier diagnostics of non-communicable diseases, the second challenge focuses on how telemedicine can improve access to healthcare on the continent, and the third challenge deals with solutions that improve the education of health professionals in the field of chronic diseases in Africa.

Once the start-ups have been evaluated, a jury will select those that will participate in the Africa@Tech innovation journey.

The selected start-ups will be able to pitch their solutions in front of the audience of Viva Technology. They will also receive financial assistance and individual support from Sanofi, through a system of coaching and mentoring.

The contest is free and open to all South African start-ups. Candidates have until 15 February to submit their applications online.