The name “Lafiya” has been chosen because it means “health and wellness” in Hausa, a local dialect present in both Senegal and Ghana.

Lafiya Innovators is a startup incubation program to support and accelerate early to mid-stage startups addressing challenges around health and determinants of health in lower and middle-income countries.

WHY ANOTHER STARTUP INCUBATION PROGRAM?

By 2030, it is expected that 85% of the world’s population will be living in Low and Middle Income countries (LMICs). The substantial gap between the need for healthcare and the level of access in these countries has been well established over the past years. In 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that over 400 million people in LMICs lack access to essential health services — including family planning, antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, child immunization, antiretroviral therapy, tuberculosis treatment, and access to clean water and sanitation. The same report states that 5.9 million deaths occurred in children under 5 years of age, with a disproportionate concentration of deaths occurring in LMICs. At the same time, rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in LMICs are increasing faster, in young people, and with worse outcomes than in wealthier countries. More than ever do we need innovative solutions to tackle these health challenges, and to do so we need to collaborate, share knowledge and expertise, and build bridges globally.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM

Lafiya Innovators is a startup support program developed by Impact Hub Basel to accelerate early-stage startups tackling health and health-related challenges in lower and middle-income countries (LMICs). Funded by Fondation Botnar and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)  Global Programme Health, the program supports ambitious entrepreneurs in LMICs building scalable solutions to improve access to health or determinants of health, including nutrition and education. Aiming to deliver impact at scale, the program focuses in particular on technological innovations and systemic solutions targeting underserved populations, including adolescents (and children) and women. In addition, the program seeks to strengthen the local health ecosystem and health entrepreneurship capacity by bringing together and engaging a strong community of health stakeholders, both locally and globally.

THE THREE LAFIYA INNOVATOR TRACKS

Ghana, Senegal, and Colombia have different levels of health startup innovation ecosystem. Therefore, the program is adapted to fit the unique needs of the respective ecosystems. Specialized business development and health innovation support are provided directly to startups in all three ecosystems.

ACCRA TRACK,GHANA

For startups focused on public health, wellbeing or that have a direct impact on the determinants of health, who are in growth or scaling stages. The startups should be able to demonstrate recurring revenue, sound team and governance structure, runway beyond the duration of the Accra track and have a direct impact on SDG 3, Health and Wellbeing.

DAKAR TRACK,SENEGAL

For early stage startups focused on public health, wellbeing or that have a direct impact on the determinants of health. The startups should be able to demonstrate a good understanding  of the issue they are trying to solve as well as the sector they are engaging in along with a team that is ready to learn and act fast. They should be living in Senegal and willing to generate revenue. For more information on the Dakar Track, kindly visit the Impact Hub Dakar page here.

MEDELLIN TRACK,COLOMBIA

For startups focused on public health, wellbeing or that have a direct impact on the determinants of health, who are in consolidation, growth and scaling stages. The startups should be in Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 8 or 9 and Commercial Readiness Level (CRL) 7,8 & 9. Startup must have an initial sales level, demonstrable in their financial statements, be located in the Colombian territory and have a direct impact on SDG 3,Health and Wellbeing. For more information on Medellin Track, Kindly visit the Impact Hub Medellin page here.

REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE ACCRA TRACK

Lafiya’s Accra Track is located in Accra, Ghana. During the six-month commitment in this track, entrepreneurs will receive specialized business development and health innovation support that will enable them to further iterate and expand on their existing business models, complete the due diligence process for fundraising, and gear up to raise their first  pre-seed funding.

Selected startups will receive access to special events and networking opportunities, established co-working space, and modest financial support.

• Startup must be  registered and based in Ghana
• Open to ECOWAS residents, age 18+ (must reside in Accra for full six month duration of program at own expense)
• One individual per startup may apply and participate (even if representing a larger team)
• Ideal for growth, mid-stage  and scaling ventures
• Must have an active business or NGO venture already working with customers
• Must be available for participation ~5-6  hours per week for six months (June 2021 – December 2021)
• Must be available full-time for specific weeks (dates provided in advance)
• Must be available to attend a Swiss Innovation Immersion week in Switzerland for one week in November 2021 (Travel expenses are covered according to program guidelines)
• Must be prepared to pitch during “Demo Day” within the duration of the program
• Professional-level English is required for participation in the program

ANY QUESTIONS, IDEAS OR OTHER INPUT? CONTACT [email protected]

FUNDING PARTNER