R1.3m carrot for start-ups

Entrepreneurs with great business ideas related to community health have the opportunity to score up to R1.3-million to fund their startup.

The Africa Innovation Challenge was launched by Johnson & Johnson in Cape Town last week to help in the development of sustainable health entrepreneurship on the continent.

Entrepreneurs are invited to come up with ideas in three categories: early childhood development and maternal health, empowering young girls, and promoting family wellbeing.

Successful entrants will have access to coaching and resources from scientists and engineers in the Johnson & Johnson consumer research and development unit.

They will also be allocated space at a lab in Africa while they are developing their products.

The challenge was launched after the company announced its global public health strategy earlier this year. Johnson & Johnson, established in 1936, has expanded its presence in Africa.

"Our goal is to improve the health of families and communities around the world," said Johnson &Johnson chief technology officer Josh Ghaim.

He said the challenge gave participants an opportunity to engage and collaborate with Africa's top entrepreneurs and scientists in bringing solutions to three important healthcare sectors.

Submissions for participation in the challenge should outline a business plan and indicate how the award will help the applicant reach a critical milestone within a year.