Accra, Dec. 1, GNA – The Futurize HealthTech Summit, a joint initiative by Futurize and AstraZeneca under the A.Catalyst Network, concluded this week, signalling a new era in African health technology.
Hosted at Strathmore University Business School in Nairobi, the event welcomed more 120 attendees, playing vital roles in the development of Africa’s healthcare sector.
A news brief shared with the Ghana News Agency said the experts engaged in critical discussions on nurturing ‘healthtech’ ecosystems through collaboration among private, public, and academic entities as well as the role of academic institutions in innovation.
The statement said this year’s summit established a blueprint for ongoing collaboration, inviting policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to further the dialogue and action towards a cohesive ecosystem.
Mr Jonathan Calder, Head of Digital and Information Technology, African Cluster at AstraZeneca, called for effective collaboration among professionals in the region to create solutions to challenges in the healthcare sector.
“Fostering a thriving healthtech ecosystem goes beyond individual efforts; it hinges on our ability to connect, share insights, and build upon each other’s strengths. This collaborative approach is what we champion at AstraZeneca,” he said.
The statement said panellists also emphasised the dynamic nature of start-up funding and the essence of funding as a crucial part of the entrepreneurial journey.
Mr Sewu-Steve Tawia, co-founder at Jaza Rift Ventures, said: “Your second investor is your client, your first is yourself.”
The summit spotlighted 10 start-ups from the FuturizeU incubator, through the Fuel Africa Programme, it said.
Innovators also showcased their work, with Vectorgram demonstrating advanced AI tools for early breast cancer diagnosis, and Tawi Health showcasing digital solutions to enhance healthcare accessibility.
Another was MariTest who developed a bloodless diagnostic device that offers a non-invasive, automated method for malaria detection using AI and advanced sensor technology,” the statement added.
Rhea Singhla, co-founder of Futurize, stated, “We aim to not only continue this momentum but to elevate it, focusing on sustainable, accessible, and patient-centric solutions while bringing even more diverse voices to the stage.”
GNA