The Merck Accelerator in partnership with Mettā launches its satellite programme in Nairobi aimed at supporting startup innovations related to healthcare, life sciences, performance materials, and other search fields.
Applications close on May 5 2018.
According to Maurice Otieno, General Manager- Mettā Nairobi, “In our ongoing commitment to identify, support, and develop Africa’s most promising startups, Mettā Nairobi is honored to work alongside Merck in this exciting four-day bootcamp. Through world-class due-diligence, entrepreneurial mentorship, investor exposure, and pitch coaching, this initiative provides each participating startup with the opportunity for investment from and collaboration with one of the world’s largest leading science and technology companies.”
The programme provides an opportunity for the selected startups to receive a 4-day mentorship and coaching bootcamp powered by Mettā Nairobi culminating to a pitch day where the winner receives a $3,000 no strings attached cash prize and an opportunity to fly down to Merck’s Innovation Center in Darmstadt, Germany, to pitch for a collaboration project. Mettā Nairobi will also provide a year long membership worth $500 for a chance to connect, interact and gain unique opportunities within its network.
The accelerator is looking for startups providing innovative healthcare access solutions such as delivery of healthcare, financing therapies, logistics, diagnosis and community self-service enablement. Also looking at biotech startups developing groundbreaking medical treatment solutions utilizing machine learning, data retrieval and curation expertise; and precision farming innovations promoting alternative ways to blanket application of agrochemicals to fields to feed an expanding population in a more sustainable and ethical way.
“We team up and join forces with external innovators to develop innovations beyond our current boundaries. In Africa specifically, we have established a diverse startup network and run challenges with leading hubs, including Mettā Nairobi to widen and open new channels for collaborating with startups. For us, collaborating with startups is not only a tremendous business opportunity, but also is part of our innovation strategy to identify innovative approaches at an early stage between & beyond our current businesses, with the final objective of helping ideas grow and scaling them to sustainable businesses.” said Munya Chivasa, Head of Merck Accelerator.
Startups that fit the above sector, and with more than 4 years of existence and at least 2 co-founders are highly encouraged to apply here.
