The Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Health program has officially announced its 2023 cohort, featuring 30 startups solving health challenges with artificial intelligence from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Nigeria’s mDoc and PharmaRun are part of only 5 African startups selected for the program.
This remarkable lineup follows a rigorous selection process that began in May and includes five African startups set to improve healthcare through AI-driven solutions.
Using the power of AI to tackle critical challenges, from early disease detection to ensuring universal access to information has been a new approach for startups and for these startups, their innovations are not only enhancing the lives of billions but also fueling robust economic growth.
Speaking on the driving force behind this program, Yuval Passov, the Head of Google for Startups, while expressing the vision of African health startups leveraging AI, said:
Africa’s innovative spirit in the AI for Health domain is profoundly inspiring. These startups stand as a testament to the continent’s ability to develop global health solutions. We aim to stand alongside them, offering support and partnership as they strive to scale and disseminate their groundbreaking solutions.
The Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Health program is poised to empower five African startups alongside their international counterparts to drive innovation, transform healthcare, and make a lasting impact on global well-being.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with Google’s broader vision of supporting startups and accelerating their growth. In August, Google announced the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program—a 10-week equity-free accelerator designed to assist African startups in leveraging artificial intelligence to address local challenges.
Read Also: Google’s AI program to support health-tech startups solve African healthcare issues
Meet the 5 African startups in Google for Startups Growth Academy 2023 cohort
Eden Care (Rwanda)
Founded by Moses Mukundi in 2021, Eden Care is merging AI and digital health to redefine health insurance and corporate well-being. Their innovative approach promises to transform how individuals and organizations approach healthcare.
In July 2023, the health technology startup announced that it had been selected for the prestigious Y Combinator summer 2023 batch, making it according to the report, the 1st Rwandan start-up to be selected for Y Combinator.
iZola Limited (Kenya)
iZola Limited is dedicated to enhancing support for families with neurodivergent children through an AI-integrated therapeutics platform. iZola is a therapeutics platform that was created by Vitafluence, a German digital health AI start-up.
Co-founded by Peter Owotoki and Dr. Wamuyu Owotoki, iZola Limited’s mission is to make life better for these families, one AI-driven solution at a time.
mDoc (Nigeria)
mDoc is on a mission to elevate personal health practices through virtual health mentorship. Their platform empowers individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
Co-founded by Nneka Mobisson and Imo Etuk in 2013, mDoc’s goal is to democratize healthcare information for the African user by building a geo-coded database of healthcare services across countries.
PharmaRun (Nigeria)
PharmaRun, is an online platform offering pharmaceutical products and services, including Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options. Pharmarun aims to unify regional pharmacies with an innovative, patient-centric platform.
Co-founded in 2021 by long-time best friends Teniola Adedeji and Funmilola Aderemi, PharmaRun aims to address the challenges faced by traditional pharmacies. Their commitment to putting patients first is reshaping how healthcare services are delivered.
Read Also: PharmaRun wins the $10,000 grand prize at Pitch2Win Competition
Zuri Health (Kenya)
Zuri Health is revolutionizing patient care with an all-inclusive digital toolkit by providing affordable and accessible healthcare solutions. Their vision is to create a simple swipe platform for quality, affordable and on-demand healthcare for all.
Founded by Ikechukwu Arthur Anoke and Daisy Isiaho in 2020, the goal for Zuri Health is to create an all-inclusive service that caters for all individuals with a mobile device, regardless of their location, health history and social status.
About the Google for Startups Growth Academy
Since introducing the Google for Startups Accelerator programs in Africa in 2018, Google has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries. Collectively, these startups have raised over $263 million in funding and have generated more than 2,800 jobs, demonstrating the program’s tangible impact on the African startup ecosystem.
The Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Health program is a hybrid initiative dedicated to nurturing high-potential startups utilizing AI technology to responsibly grow and innovate in the healthcare and well-being industry.
Over three months, founders benefit from workshops, mentoring, and networking events, enabling them to develop data-driven strategies for customer acquisition, partnership building, and responsible innovation.
Key program benefits include three months of equity-free support, personalized technical consulting from Google mentors and AI professionals, strategic guidance, leadership training, international expansion opportunities, and networking prospects within an extensive alumni network.
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