Villgro Africa, working alongside The Fred Hollows Foundation, has officially opened applications for its Eye Health Innovation Accelerator 2026, a major opportunity for African health-tech founders building solutions that can transform eye care access across Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is targeting startups with proven, tech-driven innovations aimed at reducing avoidable vision impairment in underserved communities.
The accelerator is seeking early-stage ventures that are legally registered in a Sub-Saharan African country and led by founders or senior executives based on the continent. These startups must present validated eye health technologies that directly support screening, diagnosis, treatment, tele-ophthalmology, AI-driven platforms, data systems, or low-cost assistive tools.
Eligible applicants are also expected to show market traction through partnerships, pilots, or initial revenues. This ensures that only ventures with real-world impact and scalability enter the programme.
Successful startups will receive a comprehensive support package that includes technical assistance, mentorship from industry experts, and targeted market access opportunities. Beyond advisory support, the programme offers seed funding between $100,000 and $250,000, with room for follow-on investment depending on performance and potential.
Villgro Africa also plans to host in-person bootcamps and peer-learning sessions, giving founders the chance to refine business models, strengthen operational structures, and prepare for investor engagement. These sessions are designed to elevate high-potential ventures into investment-ready companies capable of delivering sustainable, large-scale eye care solutions.
The Eye Health Innovation Accelerator is intentionally focused on startups addressing some of Africa’s most pressing health challenges. Millions across Sub-Saharan Africa struggle with preventable vision loss due to poor access to quality eye care. By supporting tech-enabled, affordable innovations, the accelerator aims to bridge these gaps and empower health systems that often face resource constraints.
Villgro Africa believes that high-impact ventures, especially those that blend technology with affordability, can radically expand access to eye care and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are open until 14 January 2026. To guide founders through the process, an information session will be held on 17 December 2025. Interested applicants must submit an online form that includes a company pitch deck, details of existing traction, and optional demo or founder videos.
Startups ready to scale their eye health innovation are encouraged to apply through the programme’s official website and take advantage of one of the continent’s most impactful health-tech accelerator opportunities.
