Applications for funding of up to 50K Euros are now available for entrepreneurs with well-established start-ups in the human (non-communicable diseases) or animal health space through Making More Health (MMH) Accelerator, a new initiative from Ashoka and Boelhringer Ingelheim. Deadline: Friday February 15th
In Germany, time constraints often mean that breast cancer screening examinations are done quickly. Frank Hoffman CEO and Founder of Discovering Hands has worked as a gynaecologist since 1993. During this time, Frank always focused his practice on early detection. But he also believed that the examination could be optimised; “The idea occurred to me that one could improve the breast exam, if it was performed by a gifted woman, with a highly-developed sense of touch. And the blind have the best sense of touch of anyone”. Emboldened by support from Ashoka and Boelhringer Ingelheim, Frank has transformed the idea into a reality. His pioneering methodology, which trains blind people to become exceptional diagnosticians using an innovative mapping system with braille coordinates, has enabled over 10 blind women to conduct breast examinations.
Now, the collaborative forces at Ashoka and Boelhringer Ingelheim are looking to empower more entrepreneurs to create health innovations, which drive positive social impact, through an ambitious project: the MMH Accelerator. Successful applicants will experience a unique access point onto the global health stage through this 11month co-creation oriented programme, working hand-in-hand with Boehringer Ingelheim employees, to collaboratively design and implement health interventions. Participating entrepreneurs behind successful interventions will also be put forward to pitch their solution to Boehringer Ingelheim’s leadership team as well as social investors to attract further investment.
Who should apply?
Social entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply if their organisations meet the following criteria:
What are the benefits?
How the program works
Co-creation Definition: Through all phases of the MMH Accelerator, a co-creation approach is employed to facilitate a collaborative process in which social entrepreneurs work hand-in-hand with Boehringer Ingelheim employees to innovate and problem-solve in a way that creates shared value for the social entrepreneurs, the corporation and society. Ashoka plays a key facilitative role in managing and coordinating this co-creation process to ensure a win-win-win result for all parties.
If you are driving social impact within the health innovation space, we encourage you to take your idea to the next level, in a dynamic environment. Apply to the MMH Accelerator by Friday, February 15th now for your opportunity to work with a great health and social innovation collaboration. To download an application form go to: Making More Health and for programme inquiries, contact: Yeleka Barrett at [email protected]