Merck And Ampion Announce Plans To Open Africa’s First Healthcare Accelerator At Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2015
Nairobi, Kenya. July 24, 2015— Ampion (www.ampion.org) and Merck ( www.merck.de ) today announced the launch of the first healthcare specific accelerator in Africa. The accelerator, Ampion’s newest initiative for driving connectivity and innovation across the continent, will operate out of Nairobi, Kenya and will accept applications from e-health startups with a high potential for impact beginning on September 1 st 2015.
After successfully joining forces in 2014, Merck and Ampion have solidified their commitment to fostering high-potential, early-stage startups with an e-health focus. The e-health accelerator will offer startups customized support from Merck Headquarters’ Innovation Center in Darmstadt, Germany, along with operational and scaling mentorship and the potential to secure pilots and synergies with key global players.
In 2014, four healthcare technology startups emerged from the Ampion Venture programs. They tackled issues such as infectious disease prevention, diabetes support and digital medical services. The launch of Ampion’s e-health accelerator, powered by Merck, will combine technology, industry expertise and best practices to help similar positioned startups accelerate growth.
Alexander Hoffmann, Merck Project Manager in the CEO Office:
“The launch of the first healthcare accelerator in Africa is designed to be a major boost to healthcare innovation on the continent. Africa has many of the fastest growing technology markets world-wide. For us at Merck, the support of healthcare technology on the continent is important not just in terms of social impact but also as a long-term business investment. We expect to remain the leading healthcare expert across Africa and spearhead healthcare innovation on a continent on the uprise.”
Fabian Guhl, Ampion CEO:
“We are delighted that we established this strong partnership with a world-leading pharmaceutical company. Our entrepreneurship programs bring some of the most innovative startups in Africa to life. This newly established accelerator will play a key role in enabling these early-stage startups to enter the market and make both a social and economic impact.”
The Accelerator will accept applications to its program on a rolling basis, with an expected residency period of 3 to 6 months for each portfolio company.
About Ampion
Ampion is the leading pan-African entrepreneurship initiative to enable young Africans to start ICT companies, creating considerable social and economic impact. AMPION organizes 7-day Venture Bus programs accompanied by international mentors and followed by an extensive incubation program. Ampion is winner of the “Global Innovation Ecosystem Award 2015” as well as the “Pan African Awards for Entrepreneurship in Education 2014”. Corporate supporters of the Ampion programs are and have been, among others, Microsoft, SAP, MTN and Merck.
www.ampion.org
About Merck
Merck is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 39,000 employees work in 65 countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to further the success of our customers and to help meet global challenges. Merck generated total revenues of € 11.5 billion in 2014 with three business sectors: Healthcare, Life Science and Performance Materials. Merck products are known and established throughout the world. Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. Since 1668 our name has stood for innovation, business success and responsible entrepreneurship.
The founding family remains the majority owner of the company to this day. This is Merck, the original, and it holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are Canada and the United States, where Merck is known as EMD.
www.merck.de