AIMS SDG Innovation Challenge 2026 Opens Applications for Young African Healthcare Innovators

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), with the support of the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, has officially launched applications for the 2026 AIMS SDG Innovation Challenge — a major opportunity designed to empower young African innovators who are creating impactful healthcare solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Following the success and lessons learned from the 2025 edition, the 2026 challenge aims to identify, support, and scale innovative, youth-led projects that can improve healthcare delivery, strengthen health systems, and tackle pressing healthcare challenges across Africa through technology and innovation.

The competition is specifically targeted at passionate STEM graduates under the age of 35, with a strong encouragement for women innovators to apply. Through this initiative, AIMS seeks to support the next generation of African problem-solvers who are using digital technology and data-driven innovation to improve healthcare outcomes across the continent.

Selected participants will receive the prestigious Innovation Fellowship Award, which includes funding, mentorship, technical support, entrepreneurship training, and access to the AIMS Rwanda Innovation Program.

About the AIMS SDG Innovation Challenge 2026

The AIMS SDG Innovation Challenge is a platform that empowers young African innovators to develop scalable and sustainable healthcare solutions using technology, data, and entrepreneurship.

The challenge focuses on:

• Advancing healthcare innovation in Africa
• Supporting SDG-focused technological solutions
• Empowering youth-led startups and initiatives
• Strengthening healthcare systems through digital innovation
• Creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and business growth

Participants will engage in a data-focused hackathon designed to refine and strengthen their proposed healthcare innovations. The hackathon will provide a collaborative environment where innovators can transform ideas into practical, scalable solutions capable of driving real-world impact.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to:

• African STEM graduates
• Young innovators under the age of 35
• Individuals passionate about healthcare innovation
• Applicants with digital technology-driven healthcare solutions
• Early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs
• Women innovators are strongly encouraged to apply

Applicants should demonstrate creativity, innovation, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to solving healthcare challenges in Africa.

Benefits of the AIMS SDG Innovation Challenge 2026

Winners selected for the Innovation Fellowship Award will gain access to an extensive support package aimed at helping them develop and scale their solutions.

Benefits include:

1. Four-Month Innovation Fellowship Stipend

Selected fellows will receive financial support through a 4-month innovation fellowship stipend, enabling them to focus on developing and improving their healthcare solution.

2. Participation in the AIMS Rwanda Innovation Program

Winners will have the opportunity to join the AIMS Rwanda Innovation Program, where they will gain access to innovation resources, collaborative opportunities, and entrepreneurial support.

3. Mentorship from Global Experts

Participants will receive mentorship from international entrepreneurship development experts and professionals in healthcare innovation, technology, and business strategy.

4. Technical and Business Development Training

Fellows will undergo specialized training sessions covering:

• Product development
• Healthcare innovation
• Business strategy
• Startup growth
• Data and technology application
• Entrepreneurship development

5. Networking Opportunities

Participants will connect with:

• Industry experts
• Development agencies
• Innovation ecosystem leaders
• Potential collaborators and investors

6. Opportunity to Showcase and Pilot Solutions

Winning innovations may be showcased and piloted within the SDG innovation ecosystem, helping participants gain visibility and potentially scale their impact across Africa.

SDG Innovation Challenge Hackathon

A key part of the program is the SDG Innovation Challenge Hackathon, where participants will:

• Refine and strengthen their proposed solutions
• Collaborate with fellow innovators
• Apply digital technology to healthcare challenges
• Develop practical and scalable healthcare innovations
• Receive expert feedback and support

The hackathon is designed to transform innovative concepts into actionable healthcare solutions capable of delivering measurable social impact.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Africa continues to face numerous healthcare challenges, ranging from limited access to quality healthcare services to shortages in healthcare infrastructure and digital healthcare solutions.

The AIMS SDG Innovation Challenge 2026 provides a powerful platform for young innovators to:

• Address urgent healthcare problems
• Build impactful technology solutions
• Gain international exposure
• Access mentorship and funding
• Join a growing innovation ecosystem focused on sustainable development

This initiative also contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging innovative approaches to healthcare improvement across the continent.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the AIMS SDG Innovation Challenge 2026 is:

1 June 2026 (11:59 PM GMT+2)

Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications before the deadline.

Learn more and apply

Interested students can learn more about the AIMS SDG Innovation Challenge 2026 and apply HERE.

Explore more global fellowship opportunities on OFY here.