Pharmaceutical giant Bayer has opened applications for its Grant4Apps programme.
Geared to connect health start-ups with industry experts and help the best talents to thrive within the digital healthcare universe, the programme will offer start-ups an opportunity to become part of an economically inclusive market where innovation is not only encouraged but appreciated as a catalyst for expanding both economic and social growth, says Bayer.
Grants4Apps is an open innovation framework where Bayer aims to collaborate with innovative digital health start-ups.
The pharmaceutical company says this platform has been operational for a number of years and since inception, it has borne over 3 000 ideas found in approximately 60 countries.
Currently, there are over 10 projects running between Grants4Apps start-ups and Bayer functions.
"With innovation at the heart of Bayer, we fully appreciate the role that open innovation can play in the healthcare environment. This is particularly important in the African context where the challenges in healthcare differ to the rest of the world," says Tasniem Patel, head of communication for Bayer in Southern Africa.
"Grants4Apps also represents a unique opportunity for South African innovators to take their work to the next level with the support of Bayer. We are looking for start-ups beyond the ideation phase in developing health technology or IT solutions that can connect and empower patients or healthcare stakeholders."
Applications are open from intrepid self-starters with innovative digital health solutions. Interested applicants can apply for either the Accelerator or Dealmaker programmes.
The Grants4Apps Accelerator is a mentoring programme for digital health start-ups which will take place in Berlin. This year, up to five start-ups will be hosted in Berlin, with the programme running from September until November. Entry into the programme offers health start-ups an opportunity to get mentoring by entrepreneurs and Bayer experts, office space for 100 days, and funding of EUR50 000. Accelerator is open until 31 May for early stage start-ups.
The Dealmaker Programme 2017 calls for all mature teams, start-ups and companies that have a solution that is ready to go and could close a possible deal. Applications to Dealmaker will stay open until 30 June.
"More than just another meaningless initiative, Grants4Apps is a clear opportunity and commitment to anchor our conversations in a territory which drives debate, involvement and meaning ? providing scientific answers that are intended to help improve people's lives," Patel adds.
"There is real excitement about the new opportunities that this year's programme will create for the successful start-ups. We have been encouraged by the responses received in previous calls for applications and would like to encourage all the innovative health start-ups in South Africa to visit www.grants4apps.com/berlin to take advantage of this opportunity as they stand a chance to have their work showcased on a global scale," she concludes.
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