J&J in bid to help entrepreneurs
ENTREPRENEURS who have great business ideas in the fields of community health have an opportunity to score up to $100 000 (R1.3-million) to fund their start-ups.
The Africa Innovation Challenge was launched by Johnson & Johnson in Cape Town in a bid to develop sustainable health and entrepreneurship on the continent.
The initiative calls for entrepreneurs to present solutions in three major categories – early child development and maternal health; empowering young girls; and promoting family wellbeing.
Successful candidates will have access to ongoing mentorship and resources from scientists, engineers and researchers in the Johnson & Johnson consumer research and development organisation.
The winners of the challenge could also receive dedicated space at a lab facility in Africa while they are developing their product, if this is what their submission requires.
The Africa Innovation Challenge comes after the company announced its global public health strategy earlier this year.
“Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of families and communities around the world,” said Johnson & Johnson chief technology officer Josh Ghaim.
He said the initiative was an opportunity to collaborate with Africa’s top entrepreneurs and scientists in order to bring solutions to three important health care areas.
Innovative, creative submissions should outline a commercial plan and indicate how the award will help the applicant reach a critical milestone within one year.
Border-Kei Chamber of Businesses executive director Les Holbrook congratulated J&J, saying the initiative was of a global standard for enterprise development.
“When large companies like Johnson & Johnson embark on social investment, they do so with meaning and put a lot of support behind it,” he said.
To review the terms and conditions of the challenge and to apply, visit the Africa Innovation Challenge website.
Applications should be submitted by January 17, 2017 and award recipients will be announced in February. —