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
More News & Events
Skip scroller content
From Clinic to Country: Building Ethiopia’s First Integrated Model for Older Adult Health
What began with one doctor questioning fragmented care for older adults has grown into a pioneering model for Ethiopia. With leadership skills strengthened through the IMIx Certificate, Dr. Asrat built an integrated clinic now informing the country’s healthy aging efforts.
Apply for the Fully-Funded Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA) PhD Fellowship Programme
This four-year programme supports emerging African health researchers and leaders to conduct community-focused research, strengthen health systems, and translate evidence into meaningful policy impact.
Ubuntu Rising Centres Youth Leadership, Innovation and Employment in Africa’s Health Future
More than 80 young health professionals, innovators and leaders gathered at Ubuntu Rising to advance youth leadership, innovation and employment. Their nine recommendations will inform the Africa Health Collaborative’s Youth Agenda and strengthen pathways for young people across Africa’s health ecosystem.
Advancing Health Equity in Africa: How Universities, Civil Society, and Communities Can Strengthen Primary Health Care
In the next HiAS, we explore how governments, universities, civil society and communities can work together to strengthen PHC and advance UHC in Africa, drawing on practical experiences, community engagement and lessons for building more equitable, resilient and people-centred health systems.
Emerging Leaders’ Day: From Youth Participation to Youth Influence
Emerging Leaders’ Day will bring together young health leaders from across Africa to build leadership skills, strengthen networks, and influence conversations shaping the future of health systems.
Leading Change Through Lived Experience
Across Africa, an emerging generation of health leaders is transforming personal challenges into powerful innovations. Through the AHC’s Young Leaders Committee, young researchers, entrepreneurs, technologists, and advocates are drawing on lived experiences with illness, caregiving, mental health, and healthcare inequities to design solutions that strengthen health systems and expand access to care.
2027-2028 Doctor of Public Health Scholarships Open
We are pleased to announce the start of the 2027-2028 Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarship recruitment at the University of Toronto. This doctoral scholarship opportunity is open to recent alumni and graduating students at our Africa Health Collaborative partner universities. These graduate scholarships will be awarded to individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence in associated health-related disciplines […]
Health Innovation as a Pathway to Africa’s Health Sovereignty
Join the next HiAS as Dr. Robert Karanja explores how talent, research, investment, policy, and partnerships can unlock Africa’s potential in digital health, biotechnology, and deep-tech innovation.
Apply for Research Seed Grants from Moi University and the University of Toronto
Apply for the Research Seed Grants by Moi University and the University of Toronto. Eligible researchers can receive up to CAD $5,000 in seed funding to strengthen research capacity, generate new knowledge, and foster long-term institutional collaborations.
Ubuntu Rising: A Youth Leadership Summit for Africa’s Health Future
Ahead of the 18th World Congress on Public Health, Ubuntu Rising will bring together young African health leaders, innovators, and changemakers to co-create a shared agenda for youth leadership, employment, and innovation in health across the continent.