Villgro Africa is inviting applications from locally led MedTech companies developing science-, engineering- or technology-driven medical solutions for East African healthcare systems. Six enterprises will be selected for 24 months of tailored venture and technical support to move their technologies towards market readiness and health-system adoption.
The programme targets invention-based enterprises with functional technologies at the prototype, validation, pre-commercial or early-market stage. Its focus is on strengthening locally developed medical technologies that respond to documented healthcare needs and can be manufactured, deployed and scaled across African markets.
Technologies in Scope
The programme is seeking medical devices and healthcare equipment, point-of-care and laboratory diagnostics, maternal and child health technologies, assistive and rehabilitation devices, and technologies addressing infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Also eligible are connected medical devices, remote-monitoring technologies, clinical decision-support systems, software as a medical device, AI-enabled medical products and technologies supporting local manufacturing and medical supply chains.
Generic wellness apps, hospital administration platforms, marketplaces and distribution-only businesses are generally outside the programme’s scope unless a differentiated medical or manufacturing technology is central to the business.
Who Can Apply
- Applicants must be locally led companies headquartered, incorporated or primarily operating in: Kenya | Uganda | Tanzania | Rwanda | Burundi | Ethiopia
- Companies undergoing incorporation may apply but must complete registration before joining the programme.
Applicants should have at least a functional proof of concept or prototype, with the strongest fit generally falling within Technology Readiness Levels 4–8. They should also demonstrate engagement with intended users or relevant healthcare stakeholders and have committed technical and business leadership in East Africa.
What Selected Enterprises Receive
The six selected companies will undergo a structured needs assessment followed by tailored support covering product development and validation, clinical and regulatory readiness, quality systems, manufacturing, market development and investment readiness.
Support may also address pricing, procurement, distribution, partnerships, capital requirements, data-room preparation and responsible growth, including environmental and ethical data considerations.