Merck launches second digital health accelerator programme in Africa

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Technology and pharma company Merck is open for applications to its second accelerator programme for digital health in Nairobi, Kenya this April. Startups will receive equity-free funding of $15,000 funding, three months coaching and mentoring as well as workspace at the Nairobi Garage.

Besides the established Merck Accelerator programme in Darmstadt, Germany, Nairobi is the first programme outside of Germany. “Africa is one of the most promising and dynamic digital markets with an innovative startup culture. With our Accelerator program we aim to become part of it,” explains Michael Gamber, head of Merck Innovation Center.

The program is structured with a fixed curriculum of three months. The Merck Accelerator team is well connected to experts in various fields in the vibrant startup ecosystem of Nairobi. The teams will have access to a network of more than 50,000 Merck employees across 66 countries, as the program is strongly connected to the German Accelerator programme. Startups in Nairobi will have the opportunity to take part virtually in lectures in Germany and vice versa.

The program does not foresee an equity interest in the companies receiving funding, nor influence over being exerted over their operational and strategic management. “We have no short-term interest in revenue with our accelerator. First, we want to develop ideas together with founders. We aim to build long term partnerships with a benefit for both the startups and Merck as an established company,” concludes Gamber.

Interested founder teams can apply for the programmes on the website, https://accelerator.merckgroup.com, until 29 February 2016.