Villgro Africa Eye Health Innovation Accelerator 2026

📝 About Villgro Africa Eye Health Innovation Accelerator

The Eye Health Innovation Accelerator is a program focused on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), aimed at supporting companies developing scalable, affordable, and high-impact innovations in the eye health space. The Accelerator provides:

• Technical assistance
• Catalytic capital
• Deep market access

This initiative helps startups validate solutions, strengthen business models, and scale across Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

🎁 Benefits of Villgro Africa Eye Health Innovation Accelerator

Participants in the program will receive the following benefits:

• Technical assistance from eye-health and digital health experts.
• Catalytic seed investment: $100k–$250k, with potential follow-on funding.
• Access to partner and co-investor networks.
• In-person bootcamps and peer-learning sessions.
• Mentorship from clinicians, technologists, and health system experts.
• Support for government engagement and public health pathways.
• Connections to hospitals, NGOs, research institutions, and referral networks.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Villgro Africa Eye Health Innovation Accelerator, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Startups must be legally registered in a Sub-Saharan African country.
• The founder or senior leader must be a resident of an African country.
• Must offer a proven, tech-enabled eye-health solution addressing major vision challenges.
• Demonstrated traction (e.g., adoption, partnerships, early revenue).
• Clear potential for scaling across LMIC markets.
• Alignment with responsible innovation principles and public health priorities.

📅 Application Date and Process

To apply, you need to submit the following:

1. A Company pitch deck.
2. An optional 2-minute video demo or founder pitch.
3. A completed online application form.
4. Additional documents upon request during the screening process.

⏰ Application Deadline

14 January, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

For more details and to apply, visit the Villgro Africa Eye Health Innovation Accelerator Application Portal.

To directly apply, click here.

This is a fantastic opportunity for startups in Sub-Saharan Africa to make a significant impact in the eye health sector while receiving unparalleled support and resources. Don't miss out!

• Technical assistance from eye-health and digital health experts.
• Catalytic seed investment: $100k–$250k, with potential follow-on funding.
• Access to partner and co-investor networks.
• In-person bootcamps and peer-learning sessions.
• Mentorship from clinicians, technologists, and health system experts.
• Support for government engagement and public health pathways.
• Connections to hospitals, NGOs, research institutions, and referral networks.