E-health accelerator Digital Health Cape Town (DHCT) has opened applications for its first programme, designed to help high growth, high social impact businesses in the health space succeed.
The accelerator has been launched in response to the changing needs of healthcare providers and patients, in a bid to digitally transform the sector by assisting early-stage, innovative digital health companies.
The programme aims to assist companies in navigating the continuously changing landscapes and grow into sustainable businesses. Applications close on December 5.
“DHCT’s Accelerator Programme is an opportunity to unearth the exceptional talent and innovation we have in South Africa. TIA took the decision to participate on the panel of judges because it fits in with our mandate to stimulate technological innovation and we are excited to contribute to the growth of local digital health startups,” said Karen Eksteen, programme manager for innovation skills development at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).
Starting at the end of January 2018, 10 participants selected for the DHCT accelerator programme will take part in a 10-week programme to help them scale their existing digital health business.
The programme will consist of in-person and online mentorship by experienced entrepreneurs, healthcare thought leaders and academics, to enhance the participants’ business knowledge and acumen from ideation all the way through to business and strategy execution.
Each participant will receive ZAR150,000 (US$10,500) worth of enterprise development funding and will have access to mentors from industry specialists, workshops, networking as well as exposure to local partners and investors.