Seed funding drives public health initiatives to strengthen primary healthcare.

Amref International University( AMIU) in collaboration with the Family Larson-Rosenquist Foundation (FLRF) is equipping early stage health entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to launch innovative public health solutions.

The inaugural cycle of the 'From Idea to Impact -Buillding a Public Health(Social) Enterprise' program concluded with an award ceremony in Nairobi on Wednesday March 19, recognizing participants' efforts in developing business models that integrate financial sustainability with social impact.

His Excellency Mr Mirko Giulietti, ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya, commended the students' achievements and highlighted the role of private sector collaborations in strengthening international relations.

Over the past 12 months , students and aspiring health entrepreneurs engaged in intensive training on entrepreneurship principles, cumulating in a business plan competition.

The top three projects received seed funding of USD 3000, 2000 and 1000 to launch their ventures.

Dr. Katharina Lichtner, Managing Director of FLRF, praised the collaboration with AMIU, emphasizing the inspiring commitment of students to public health innovation.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside Amref International University and its passionate students. Their dedication to advancing public health through entrepreneurship is remarkable,” she said.

Dr. Dancan Irungu, Director of AMIU’s Health Entrepreneurship Academy, acknowledged FLRF’s crucial role in nurturing the next generation of health innovators.

“This partnership has provided invaluable training, mentorship, and support, enabling early-stage entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into impactful healthcare solutions,” he noted.

As the second 12-month learning cycle begins, the program continues to drive excellence in health entrepreneurship. Implemented through AMIU’s Health Entrepreneurship Academy, the initiative focuses on training, incubating healthcare innovations, and fostering the development of sustainable health products and technologies.

Through this effort, AMIU and FLRF are not only supporting young entrepreneurs but also contributing to the long-term improvement of primary healthcare systems.