Ampion, Merck accelerator to foster health-tech startups in Africa

Pan-African entrepreneurial initiative Ampion has teamed up with German pharmaceutical Merck to launch a health-tech accelerator in Nairobi, Kenya.

The new health-tech accelerator is designed to offer startups customised support from Merck’s Innovation Center in Germany, along with operational and scaling mentorship and the potential to secure pilots with “key global players”.

Read more: Ampion Venture Bus: an NGO’s mission to drive impactful innovation in Africa

In a press statement, Merck project manager Alexander Hoffmann explained the value of technology in these fast-growing markets:

“For us at Merck, the support of healthcare technology on the continent is important not just in terms of social impact but also as a long-term business investment. We want to become the leading healthcare expert across Africa and spearhead healthcare innovation on a continent on the uprise.”

Though Ampion and Merck have already been partners since last year, this latest development is said to reaffirm both organisations commitment to foster high-impact entrepreneurs in Africa.

Last year, the entrepreneurial organisation partnered with the likes of MTN, SAP and Microsoft.

In 2014, four East African startups were recognised through the Ampion Ventures programme for tackling issues related to infectious disease prevention, diabetes support and digital medical services.

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Ampion CEO Fabian Guhl adds that these entrepreneurship programmes bring some of the most innovative startups in Africa to life: “This newly established accelerator will play a key role in enabling these early-stage startups to enter the market and make both a social and economic impact.”

The accelerator will accept applications to its programme on a rolling basis, with an expected residency period of three months for each portfolio company.