The Africa Health Collaborative at Addis Ababa University (AHC-AAU) brought youthful energy and big ideas to the spotlight at its Health Startups Panel Discussion and Pitch Competition, held on October 7, 2025, at Haile Grand in Addis Ababa. Centered on the theme “Reimagining Healthcare Through Startups,” the event celebrated the creativity and determination of young innovators who are rethinking new solutions for Ethiopia’s health system.
More than 100 participants — including policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, representatives from AAU, Wollo, Debre Berhan, Wolkite Universities, and partners from the public and private sectors — gathered to support and learn from these emerging changemakers.
Opening the event, Dr. Dawit Wondimagegn, Principal Investigator of AHC-AAU, emphasized that empowering young people with the right skills, mentorship, and networks is key to transforming Ethiopia’s health system. His words set an inspiring tone for the day — one that centered young entrepreneurs as partners in driving health innovation.
The highlight of the day was the Health Startups Pitch Competition, where eighteen ventures, developed through Addis Ababa University’s Pre-Incubation Health Startup Training Program, took the stage. Each team showcased its idea — from digital health tools to community-based solutions — through booth exhibitions and five-minute pitches evaluated by a panel of blind judges.
In a proud moment for women in innovation, three female-led startups were named winners. These ventures will receive seed funding and continued mentorship from AHC-AAU to grow their ideas into sustainable, scalable solutions that improve lives and communities.
Lunapad is an electronic reusable pad that also helps to relieve menstrual pain.
BabyMesob is an educational platform focused on child nutrition.
Enat Infant & Child Nutrition provides complementary food for children between 6months and 4 years.
Enat was born from a mother’s dream and grew with Africa Health Collaborative’s support. Now we are working to tackle Ethiopia’s under-five malnutrition, one bowl at a time, said Misrak W/Yohanes, Founder of Enat Infant & Child Nutrition
The young innovators also drew inspiration from Ethiopian legend and investor Haile Gebrselassie, who shared heartfelt reflections on perseverance, discipline, and resilience — values that lie at the heart of both successful entrepreneurship and impactful leadership. His words resonated deeply with participants, reminding them that innovation thrives on resilience and purpose.
A thought-provoking panel featuring representatives from AAU, AHC, and three leading financial institutions explored how strategic financing, innovation, and multi-sectoral collaboration can accelerate the growth of Ethiopia’s health entrepreneurship ecosystem. Moderated by the Founder and Managing Director of Shayashone PLC, the discussion encouraged shared reflection on how collective action can drive lasting transformation in the health sector.
During the event, Mr. Kebede Wondu, Addis Ababa’s Health Entrepreneurship (HENT) Pillar Lead, outlined the AHC-AAU program’s venture engagement process—from the call for applications and candidate selection to the final pitch. AHC-AAU’s Project Implementation Lead, Prof. Assefa Abegaz, reaffirmed AHC-AAU’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation to tackle Ethiopia’s health challenges by nurturing a new generation of innovators developing creative, sustainable, and inclusive solutions.
Throughout the day, discussions between young founders, academia, and investors underscored a shared belief: when young people are supported to create, collaborate, and lead, they can redefine what’s possible in health.
Watch the event highlights
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