Merck is now receiving applications into the next round of its accelerator program in its two locations, Germany and Kenya. Early stage startups operating in healthcare and digital solutions are encouraged to apply before December 19, 2016.
Merck aims to mentor, fund and support startups with the potential to reshape industries and make people’s lives richer. In February 2016, Merck expanded its digital health accelerator programme to Africa, specifically Nairobi, Kenya.
TechMoran reports that Merck decided to expand its Nairobi program due to the number of highly qualified applications it received in its last intake. The start-ups will be housed in Nairobi innovation and entrepreneurship club, Metta, to enable them be part of a more international environment. Metta will provide both working spaces and networking opportunities and events within its global community of entrepreneurs and innovators.
A few changes are being made with this new cohort. The Nairobi program is raising the value of its investments from $15,000 to up to $30,000. Teams will also be able to extend their acceleration period via a month-long residence in Silicon Valley.
Head of the Merck Innovation Center, Michael Gamber, explained the reasons behind the new changes saying, “Due to the dynamic nature of the digital health market in Nairobi, we decided to invest more in the startups here and to link them up with a more global community. We also recognise that many startups here on the African continent need financial support of a certain level in order to give them the opportunity to push their ideas forward.”
The programs in both Darmstadt and Nairobi will run from March 6, 2017, to May 24, 2017.
Interested startups can apply here.
