With its focus on consumer health care, Johnson & Johnson through its Africa Innovation Challenge (AIC), is aiming to tackle “important issues impacting local communities” – health wise and as such, is organising an idea competition among health entrepreneurs across Africa to help provide solutions to such important issues.
Johnson & Johnson in a written statement, said: “We are looking for an idea that has a clear project plan to progress towards commercialisation. Commercialisation is the process of introducing a new product or solution into commerce – making it available on the market. As you are submitting your application, you will find a downloadable project plan template that will guide you step-by-step so that we can better understand the feasibility of your idea. If you have a business plan to share, that is great.”
Therefore, entrepreneurs who are above 18 years of age and work in the following fields promoting early child development and maternal health, empowering young girls and improving family wellbeing are encouraged to apply before January 17, 2017.
According to the company, participants with the best solutions will receive up to $100,000 in funding and mentorship from scientists, engineers and researchers in the Johnson & Johnson Consumer Research & Development organisation.
“The winner(s) of the challenge could also receive dedicated space at a lab facility in Africa throughout their product or service development, dependent on the needs of the solution submission,” the company added.
It should be noted that selected candidates will be judged based on solution that addresses at least one of the three critical health areas mentioned earlier and is innovative and creative. Also, the company said it is looking for solutions that are scalable and must outline commercialisation plan and how the award would help the applicant reach a critical milestone within the timeframe of a single year.
Intended applicants can submit their application through the company’s website.
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