In a major milestone for tech-enabled mental health innovation in Africa, Sane, an AI-powered mental health platform, has been named one of the top 20 winners in the prestigious ONDEA My IDEA 2.0 entrepreneurship program, selected from thousands of applicants across Nigeria.
Organized by the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA), the program is designed to identify and accelerate high-potential businesses led by Nigerian innovators who are building bold solutions to local and global challenges.
A Rigorous Journey to the Top
Now in its second edition, the ONDEA My IDEA program invited applications from across the country and received thousands of submissions spanning sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, technology, energy, and education.
Applicants underwent a highly competitive multi-stage selection process, including an initial business model screening, a pre-pitch evaluation for feasibility and innovation, an intensive bootcamp, and mentorship sessions, and a live pitch presentation before a jury of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and development leaders
After months of evaluation, 20 ventures emerged as winners, each standing out for their impact, innovation, and potential to drive economic transformation across Nigeria and beyond.
Sane: Reimagining Mental Health for Africa
Founded by Oluwabukunmi Victor Babatunde, Sane is a digital platform that leverages artificial intelligence to monitor, detect, and support mental health needs in real-time. The system is designed to serve individuals, workplaces, schools, healthcare institutions, and law enforcement bodies, making mental health care more proactive, data-informed, and accessible.
Sane’s model focuses on early intervention, stigma reduction, and personalized care journeys. Since launch, the company has impacted over 2,500 users and professionals, and is now being integrated into organizational health systems and educational institutions across Africa.
“Mental health is still an overlooked crisis in many parts of Africa,” said Oluwabukunmi Victor Babatunde, CEO and Founder of Sane. “This recognition from ONDEA validates not just our work, but our vision: to place mental well-being at the heart of Africa’s development. We’re honored to be among the top 20 changemakers and excited for what lies ahead.”
Support That Moves the Needle
Each of the 20 winning businesses will receive ₦1 million in direct seed capital, ₦2 million worth of tailored business support services, a 12-month incubation program featuring expert mentorship and strategic guidance, and access to startup kits, shared facilities, and long-term growth support
The award ceremony, held at The Dome in Akure, brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa delivered a keynote address emphasizing the role of innovation in redefining Ondo State’s economic trajectory.
“We are not just investing in ideas; we are investing in futures,” the Governor said. “Ondo State will no longer be called a civil service state. It will be known as the capital of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology in Nigeria.”
A Larger Moment for Nigeria’s Innovation Landscape
Sane’s recognition comes at a time when Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with young founders increasingly solving complex problems in health, education, finance, and climate. Mental health, though often stigmatized or underfunded, is gaining attention as a critical pillar for productivity, peace, and sustainable development.
By bridging technology and wellness, Sane is helping organizations and communities reimagine what support can look like in a fast-changing world.
Looking Forward
With the ONDEA win under its belt, Sane is set to expand its user base, deepen its AI-driven insights, and establish partnerships with institutions across Nigeria and the wider continent.
The team is also building a repository of culturally grounded mental health data, a resource that will power smarter diagnostics, interventions, and policy recommendations in the future.
As Africa navigates the demands of a digital and human-centered future, Sane stands as a shining example of what happens when purpose meets opportunity — and when mental health is finally given the attention it deserves.
