Applications are now open for Pitch Perfect Africa 2026! Now in its second year, Pitch Perfect Africa celebrates and supports entrepreneurs developing health-focused innovations across Africa.
Application Deadline:
29 September 2026, 11:59 pm ET.
Tell Me About the Opportunity:
Pitch Perfect Africa 2026, hosted by Africa Health Innovative (H2i) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is a competition designed to support health innovators across Africa. Six ventures will be selected to pitch their innovations to a panel of expert judges, and three winners will each receive a CAD $5,000 Innovation Fellowship to continue developing their work.
Which Sectors are Eligible?
Health‑focused innovations, including:
- Medical technologies
- Digital health solutions
- Community health initiatives
- Preventive health innovations
Type:
Pitch competition + innovation fellowship.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be current H2i Level 2 HENT ventures (Discovery stage of H2i’s four‑level model).
- Have been onboarded by their lead mentor by 31 August 2026.
- Not have previously won Pitch Perfect Africa (past finalists who did not win may reapply).
- Ventures not yet part of H2i are encouraged to join as client companies to access mentorship and future opportunities.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Eligibility as H2i Level 2 ventures.
- Innovation quality and health impact.
- Pitch performance during the competition.
- Potential for investment readiness and scalability.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Open to health innovators from 50+ African countries (must be part of H2i community).
Where will the Opportunity be Taken?
Virtual pitch competition, with mentorship and fellowship support provided remotely.
How Many Opportunities?
- 6 ventures selected to pitch.
- 3 winners awarded CAD $5,000 Innovation Fellowships.
What is the Benefit of the Opportunity?
- CAD $5,000 Innovation Fellowship (per winner).
- Pitching opportunity before expert judges.
- Strengthened investment readiness.
- Mentorship and exposure through H2i and Mastercard Foundation networks.
- Participation in a Pitch Masterclass to refine communication and market research skills.
How Long Will the Support Last?
Fellowship support continues after the competition, with payments processed within 3–4 months.
Key Dates:
- 8 Sept 2026 — Applications open
- 29 Sept 2026 — Application deadline
- 9 Oct 2026 — Building a Winning Pitch Masterclass
- 16 Nov 2026 — Virtual pitch competition
- Dec 2026 — Fellowship awards announced
How to Apply:
- Complete the Pitch Perfect Africa 2026 application form.
- Draft and save responses before submission.
- Submit by 29 September 2026.
- For questions, email [email protected].
