Firms launch healthcare innovation programme

An indigenous oil exploration and production company, Famfa Oil Ltd., has partnered Futurise and Bristol Myers Squibb to co-fund and launch its first yearly Fuel Africa Innovation Programme. The event was organised by AstraZeneca and Microsoft.

The programme virtually brought together students and alumni from 12 universities across seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa for an entrepreneurship bootcamp and innovation competition.

During the competition, participants formed multi-disciplinary teams, received industry insights, mentorship, and hands-on training through workshops to generate solutions for early-stage business ventures.

Chief Executive Officer, Futurise, Rhea Singhla said programmes such as Fuel Africa could unlock tremendous talents in universities.

Also, Rotimi Alakija of Famfa Oil, said innovation was the only way one could move forward.

Alakija said the mission was to equip young entrepreneurs with resources to build high-potential venture ideas and contribute to sustainable development globally.

Enablement Lead, Africa Transformation Office at Microsoft, Yacine Barro Bourgault, disclosed that Microsoft, through the Africa Transformation Office, was committed to supporting education across Africa with access to learning tools, resources and technology.

African Cluster Country President at AstraZeneca Barbara Nel, said: “Through a catalyst network, AstraZeneca’s interconnected and dynamic global network of more than 20 health innovation hubs, were co-creating challenge-based solutions for patients.”