Ampion and Merck today announced the launch of the first healthcare specific accelerator in Africa. The accelerator, Ampion’s newest initiative for driving connectivity and innovation across the continent, will operate out of Nairobi, Kenya. Ampion will accept applications from e-health startups with a high potential for impact as of today on www.ampion.org.
After successfully joining forces in 2014, Merck and Ampion have solidified their commitment to fostering high-potential, early-stage startups with an e-health focus. The e-health accelerator will offer startups customized support from Merck Headquarters’ Innovation Center in Darmstadt, Germany, along with operational and scaling mentorship and the potential to secure pilots and synergies with key global players.
In 2014, four healthcare technology startups emerged from the Ampion Venture programs. They tackled issues such as infectious disease prevention, diabetes support and digital medical services. The launch of Ampion’s and Merck’s e-health accelerator, will combine technology, industry expertise and best practices to help similar positioned startups accelerate growth.
Alexander Hoffmann, Project Manager in the Merck CEO Office:
“The launch of the first healthcare accelerator in Africa is designed to be a major boost to healthcare innovation on the continent. Africa has many of the fastest growing technology markets world-wide. 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.”
Fabian Guhl, Ampion CEO:
“We are delighted that we established this strong partnership with a world-leading pharmaceutical and chemical company. Our entrepreneurship programs 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.”