Applications Open for the 2026 Africa Oxford Health Innovation Programme
The deadline for applications is set for March 18, 2026, at 23:59 GMT. The Africa Oxford Health Innovation Programme (AfOx-HIP) is now inviting submissions from innovators seeking to develop technological solutions for the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases across Africa. The program welcomes a diverse range of technologies from various fields, including life sciences and engineering, covering key areas such as vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices, therapeutics, and surgical equipment.
Priority will be afforded to solutions demonstrating significant potential for high impact, particularly those facilitating innovative healthcare delivery in the African context. Focus areas include efforts to:
- Reduce premature deaths from non-communicable diseases;
- Optimize diagnostic and prognostic testing for African populations;
- Develop new diagnostic tools to enhance resilience against endemic diseases;
- Prevent, diagnose, and treat zoonotic diseases.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet specific criteria across three levels, ensuring a cohesive alignment with the programme’s objectives.
Application Eligibility
Applicants should either be citizens of an African country or hold indefinite leave to remain in an African nation. Additionally, candidates must legally reside and develop their proposed innovations within their host country. The programme encourages applications from individuals or small teams of innovators. While academic qualifications are not mandatory, it is essential that applicants possess a robust scientific or technological foundation to support their innovation. Special encouragement is extended to women and other underrepresented groups within the innovation space.
Solution Eligibility
Proposed solutions must be rooted in science and aimed at preventing, diagnosing, managing, or treating diseases. This includes areas such as vaccines, medical devices, therapeutics, and surgical instruments. Early-stage ideas are welcome in specified categories, but more advanced innovations that are either at the prototype stage or scalable are highly encouraged.
Venture Eligibility
For eligibility, ventures must maintain a legal presence in their country of residence. Founders who have yet to register a company can also apply. However, existing businesses, consultancies, NGOs, consortia, or industrial research entities are not eligible for support. Additionally, student-led projects, including those based on master’s theses, will not be accepted.
Training Program for Selected Innovators
Innovators selected for the programme will participate in an all-virtual training course in innovation and entrepreneurship, tailored for busy professionals. This course requires an estimated commitment of 8-10 hours per week and encompasses a variety of topics, including:
- Entrepreneurial Thinking and Venture Acceleration;
- Translational Research;
- Creative Problem Solving;
- Business with Purpose;
- Weekly Interactive Workshops and Group Activities.
Application Process Requirements
To apply, candidates must complete all necessary steps and click “Submit” by the deadline. Incomplete submissions will not be considered, and successful applicants will receive confirmation via email. Finalists can expect to be notified by May 31, 2026. All applications must be submitted in English and should include:
- A completed online application form;
- A letter of recommendation from a relevant institution or professional contact;
- A visual demonstration of the innovation (up to 2 pages of PDF schematic or design, along with an optional demonstration video);
- Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.
For further information, interested parties can visit the official webpage of the Africa Oxford Health Innovation Programme.
