General

1. What is timbuktoo?

timbuktoo is UNDP's bold, pan-African innovative and far-reaching initiative to spark a start-up revolution in Africa. It was launched by the UNDP Administrator, Mr. Achim Steiner and the UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, together with the Presidents of Rwanda and Ghana at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Since its inception, timbuktoo has rapidly established itself as a key player in the African innovation ecosystem, with the registration of the Foundation, the launch of the Fintech Hub in Lagos, Nigeria, and the establishment of University Innovation Pods (UniPods) across Africa. timbuktoo aims to address critical gaps and work with African governments, investors, corporates, and universities, to support the African startup ecosystem. 

2. What does timbuktoo offer?

timbuktoo’s ambition is to mobilize and invest US$ 1 billion of catalytic and commercial capital to transform 100 million livelihoods and create 10 million dignified new jobs. Seeking to spark the African innovation ecosystem, the timbuktoo initiative supports and invests in Africa’s top talent through the creation of University Innovation Pods (UniPods) across Africa. UniPods are innovation spaces situated within tertiary institutions that are equipped with machinery and tools for innovators to develop and test products and services. timbuktoo also involves the establishment of thematic hubs across Africa, each specialising in one of the following sectors: Agritech, Creatives, Fintech, Greentech, Healthtech, Trade, Smart Cities/Mobility and Tourismtech / Edtech, Manutech and Minetech. The 10 thematic hubs will provide a range of programmes and offerings to support and scale impactful startups. It seeks to create a future where innovation is encouraged, ingenuity is supported, and prosperity is shared. 

3. What is the HealthTech Hub?

The timbuktoo healthtech Hub is one of the 10 thematic hubs of the timbuktoo initiative, which will incubate and accelerate startups that leverage technology to address health challenges across the continent. This Hub provides a platform for innovators to collaborate, create, and scale impactful solutions that improve healthcare outcomes in Africa. The timbuktoo HealthTech Hub is located in Kigali, Rwanda. Offering a physical space with state-of-the-art equipment and remote services, it functions as a venture studio with product design, co-working, and branding facilities. 

4. What startups are categorized as HealthTech startups?

HealthTech startups, short for healthcare technology startups, are companies that operate across various sectors such as biotechnology, medical devices, telemedicine, digital health, nutrition, and wellness. These startups leverage innovations in technology to develop solutions that improve healthcare delivery, enhance patient care, and promote overall well-being. HealthTech startups disrupt traditional healthcare systems and introduce new approaches, tools, and solutions that make medical services more accessible and effective.

5. What is the timbuktoo HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme? 

It is a 6-months accelerator under the timbuktoo HealthTech Hub in Kigali, Rwanda. It focuses on supporting and bringing more value to healthtech startups. 

6. Are You Eligible?

Your startup is eligible if it meets the criteria below:

• Startup with founders who are citizens of an African Union member state. 

• Startup that is locally owned and based in any African country. 

• Startup is leveraging technology in the health services sector to capitalise on complex development opportunities and solve challenges. 

• Startup is focused on contributing to at least one of the SDGs. 

• Startups with a minimum viable product. 

   

7. Are unregistered startups eligible to apply? 

Yes, startups without formal business registration documentation can apply to the timbuktoo healthtech Startup Accelerator Programme.

8. Is there any entry fee to apply for the accelerator programme?

No, there are no joining or participation fees for startups to join this programme.

9. How do I apply to the HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme?

• Interested startups will be required to complete an online application form between 27th August 2024 and 20th September 2024.

• Applications can be submitted through the HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme online portal. Be sure to check for requirements and updates on the UNDP Africa and UNDP Rwanda’s website and social media channels.

• Overall cohort composition will ensure distribution that ensures equal opportunities for participation across countries and gender

10. What types of startups is the Accelerator Programme looking for?

The Hub is interested in startups that utilize technology to solve health challenges. With this, the Hub aims to nurture startups that are developing cutting-edge medical technologies, ranging from diagnostic tools and medical devices to telemedicine platforms and AI-driven healthcare solutions. The focus is on innovations that can be scaled to make a significant impact across Africa.

11. Why should startups join the programme?

• Benefit from a co-working space and product development labs

• Access the vast network of industry leaders, health experts, regional markets, valuable workshops and potential investors. 

• Benefit from tailored mentorship and coaching throughout the incubation and acceleration journey. 

• Startups that progress beyond the bootcamp stage will receive equity free funding. This amount startups receive will be based on their needs and progression within the programme.

   

12. Can startups from outside Africa apply?

No, the HealthTech Hub is specifically designed for African startups, with a focus on fostering homegrown solutions to the continent’s health challenges.

13. What is the timeline for the HealthTech Hub program?

The program typically runs in phases, starting with applications, followed by a selection process, and then moving into incubation and acceleration stages. 

• Applications and Selection: August - October 2024

• Bootcamp: Physical attendance in Kigali 8 - 22 November 2024

• Incubation and Acceleration: December 2024 - February 2025

• Any updates on the timeline will be communicated through official channels, including UNDP Africa and UNDP Rwanda’s social media platforms.

14. When will the selected startups be notified?

Startups selected to participate in the timbuktoo Healthtech Startup Accelerator Programme will be notified via email (please also check your junk folders). Startups can expect to be notified of the outcome of their application on or before October 10th 2024.

15. How does the HealthTech Hub collaborate with other stakeholders?

The HealthTech Hub works closely with governments, private sector partners, academia, and other innovation hubs across Africa. This collaboration ensures that the solutions developed are relevant, sustainable, and have the potential for wide-scale adoption. 

16. Where can I get more information about the HealthTech Hub and the Startup Accelerator Programme?

For more detailed information, visit the official website or follow UNDP Africa and UNDP Rwanda on social media platforms for the latest updates and announcements.