The Up Accelerate program is a one-year initiative that seeks to source for innovative solutions to health challenges in Uganda.
By tapping into networks of young entrepreneurs and providing them with seed funding, mentorship and technical support, Up Accelerate aims to develop market ready, scalable and sustainable solutions in the area of sexual and reproductive health.
The second cycle is looking to solve two challenges, namely; 'How might we improve demand and access to essential maternal health medicines & supplies in Uganda and how might we improve the use of data in healthcare planning, monitoring and delivery?'
62 submissions were made for the first cycle from young innovators across the country, which was toned down to 22 and later to 10.
The 10 finalists pitched to a panel of judges at the final and four startups selected as winners. These are Teheca, Snap HMIS, IDrain and Drug Dash. Each startup received US$10,000 in seed funding, business and technical training, and mentorship for four (4) months.
Calling on all young innovators in #Uganda. Submit your idea NOW in the #UpAccelerate innovation program. Details https://t.co/sGJ8KlTIGx pic.twitter.com/orB3Tu99Xi
— Up Accelerate (@UpAccelerate) March 23, 2017
When we interacted with Richard Zulu, Founder of Outbox Hub, about the progress being made by this first batch of winning startups, he informed us that it is still too early to measure the impact. He however promised to let us know of any progresses. In case we get to know, you'll be the second one to know.
The Up Accelerate program is the Ugandan pilot of the regional UNFPA Innovation Accelerator.
The Innovation Accelerator is an initiative and model led by the UNFPA East and Southern Regional Office (ESARO) with aims to explore new and engaging ways to tackle pressing SRH challenges in the region while promoting socio-economic participation, social entrepreneurship and empowerment of young people. The regional program, and its country pilots, is being funded by UK Aid.
The program was first launched in Kenya in 2015 under the I.AM campaign, implemented by NaiLab, a Kenyan startup accelerator.
The Up Accelerate initiative is implemented in Uganda by UNFPA country office under the guidance of UNFPA East and Southern Regional Office (ESARO). It is implemented by Outbox and funded with UK aid from the UK government with support from the Ministry of Information Technology and National Guidance.
Winners will be selected by a panel of independent judges based on the selection criteria developed by Outbox. The criteria is defined in the terms and conditions of the program. Early submission of your application into the program and acting on feedback will count towards your final score.
Read more about the FAQs here and make your application here.