Marconi Lab

Background

The Artificial Intelligence in Health Incubation Grant Program is an initiative led by STI Pathogen Labs, focused on advancing AI-driven health innovations in Uganda. In collaboration with the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat (STI), Marconi Lab, and AI Lab Makerere, this program supports the commercialization of AI-based health technologies.

Serving as an early-stage business incubator, the program aims to transform AI health-tech innovations, products, and processes into viable, scalable businesses capable of significantly impacting the health sector.

One selected innovator will receive exclusive support, including grant funding, specialized training, technical assistance, and investor-readiness coaching. This initiative empowers entrepreneurs to develop sustainable, impactful ventures in health technology.

Program Overview

The program will incubate one innovative project with a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) through a structured one-year incubation process. It will offer business development support and seed funding to facilitate product development and market expansion for the chosen solution.

The program will offer a comprehensive support package that includes:

One-Year Incubation:
Access to workspace, mentorship, and resources to develop your innovative solution towards commercialization.
Initial Capital (Pre-seed):
Funding to conduct market research, product launch and market validation
Expert Mentorship:
Guidance from industry experts and experts in AI and healthcare.
Networking Opportunities:
Connect with investors, healthcare professionals, and potential partners.
Workshops and Training:
Participate in workshops and training sessions to enhance your business and technical skills.

We have a total of UGX 100M to 250M in funding available.

See more details below.

Apply Now

Who is eligible to apply?

We invite startup companies and innovative teams to apply for our grant program, designed to support projects that leverage Artificial Intelligence to address critical healthcare challenges.

Startups/Innovators should possess the following attributes:

Stage: Innovations with a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
Focus Area: Projects that leverage Artificial Intelligence to address healthcare challenges.
Team: A team with diverse skills, including technical, business, and domain expertise.
Commitment: Willingness to commit to the one-year incubation program and actively participate in all activities.

If you are part of a startup or you are an innovator with a project that aligns with these goals, we encourage you to apply and be part of advancing AI-driven solutions for a healthier future.

NB: This grant is restricted to Ugandan startups/innovators

Expectations from Startups

Milestones

Set and achieve key milestones throughout the incubation period.

Progress Reports

Regularly update the program coordinators on your progress.

Participation

Actively engage in all program activities, workshops, and events.

Collaboration

Collaborate with other startups, mentors, and industry experts.

Application Process

Application Form: Fill out the online application form.

Video Pitch: Provide a short video (2 minutes) explaining your project.

Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

Key Dates

09/09/2024 - 23/09/2024

Application Deadline

25/09/2024

Shortlist Announcement

30/09/2024

Interviews

7/10/2024

Program Start

Mode of Engagement: Hybrid

FAQs

What problems would you like applicants to be solving?

High-quality, AI-enabled health innovations aimed at bringing products closer to patients and addressing pressing health challenges using Artificial Intelligence. We’re looking for innovations that solve the toughest health challenges through artificial intelligence.

Is there an application fee?

No, there is no fee required to apply.

Who can see the information I submit in the application?

All information submitted may be seen by the program team which includes the review panel. All members of the program team are bound by confidentiality agreements. We will retain application materials of applicants (including applicants who are not selected) for up to two years.

Can I submit more than one application?

Yes, you can submit more than one application provided they have separate use cases.

What are the application requirements?

Along with filling out the application, applicants are asked to submit the following:

A link to a 2-minute max video that describes the innovation (Mandatory).

What is the selection process?

The selection committee will include review panelists and judges from STI, Marconi, AI, and partner organizations who understand the entrepreneurial journey and start-up ecosystem, including AI sector specialists.
The selection committee will meet to select the best (1) innovations in the initial screening based on:

Innovation with potential for health impact and scale (25 points)

Innovation with commercialization potential (20 points)

A multidisciplinary team of at least three (3) members (20 points)

Align with the principles of Responsible AI (Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI) design (20 points)

Technical proof of concept or demonstrated revenue will be preferred over unproven ideas (15 points)

Following selection, the program coordination team will conduct due diligence on the selected innovator to validate the legal status to ensure they are eligible to receive grant funding. Following due diligence, the innovator will be informed, finalized, and sign a program agreement.

Contact Information

Email: ai4health@mak.ac.ug

Phone: +256773255121