IFC’s TechEmerge Health Challenge is Transforming Healthcare in East Africa

IFC’s TechEmerge Health Challenge is back and better than ever! This year, 17 tech companies from 11 countries have been selected to partner with East African healthcare providers to pilot their solutions in the local market. The solutions include point-of-care diagnostics, imaging, clinical decision support tools, and much more.

But hold on, it gets better! These innovators have access to a grant fund pool of US$1 Million, and they will also receive technical and advisory support from IFC. This means that they not only have the resources to develop their products but also the guidance to ensure that they are effective in the East African market.

The program is supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry, and the Government of Japan. With this kind of backing, it’s no surprise that the selected companies are some of the most innovative in the world!

So who are these companies that are set to transform healthcare in East Africa? Let’s take a look at some of the winners announced at CES 2021.

First up, we have Ally PACS & Teleradiology, which provides cloud-based diagnostic imaging solutions. Then there’s Baobab Circle, which uses mobile technology to improve healthcare access and outcomes for women with chronic conditions. Butterfly Network has developed a portable ultrasound device that connects to a smartphone, making diagnostics more accessible than ever before.

Coeo Labs has created a clinical decision support tool that uses artificial intelligence to provide personalized treatment recommendations. Meanwhile, Flare has developed a platform that connects ambulances with hospitals to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care.

Forus Health has developed a portable eye examination device that can be used in remote areas with limited access to healthcare. Helium Health has created an electronic medical records platform that allows healthcare providers to manage patient data securely and efficiently.

MphRx has developed a platform that allows patients to access their medical records and communicate with their healthcare providers through a mobile app. Neopenda has created a wearable device that monitors vital signs in newborns, ensuring that any issues are detected early on.

Noor Medical has developed a low-cost, reusable surgical kit that can be sterilized using solar energy. Orbit Health has created a telemedicine platform that connects patients with healthcare providers remotely.

OUI Inc. has developed a mobile app that allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, while ProWellness Health Solutions has created a platform that helps companies manage their employee wellness programs.

swyMed has developed a telemedicine platform that allows healthcare providers to conduct virtual visits with patients in remote locations. THINKMD has created a diagnostic and clinical decision support tool that can be used by non-medical personnel to identify and treat common illnesses.

Tricog Health has developed a platform that uses artificial intelligence to diagnose and triage heart attacks in real time, while VecnaCares has created a patient engagement platform that allows patients to manage their healthcare needs digitally.

These solutions are set to transform healthcare in East Africa, and we can’t wait to see the impact they will have. With the support of IFC and its partners, these innovative companies are well on their way to building commercial partnerships and making a real difference in the lives of people across the region.