ACCELERATING THE FUTURE
The Shift Tech Innovation Challenge
The Shift Tech Innovation Challenge, powered by Flat6Labs in partnership with e& and UNFPA, aims to support 20 healthtech startups in developing and advancing their businesses. The program provides startups with training and mentorship, investment readiness support, and expert guidance on pitch deck creation and delivery.
The challenge combines virtual and in-person programming, giving participating startups access to expertise from Flat6Labs and e& teams. The program will culminate in a Showcase Day, where startups will pitch to key ecosystem stakeholders, with the top three teams potentially selected to receive funding from e&.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING
The Shift Tech Innovation Challenge is dedicated to supporting 20 healthtech startups developing innovative approaches to healthcare. The program is designed to support entrepreneurs through a blended curriculum combining virtual and in-person activities, with a focus on strengthening their businesses and preparing them for investment.
Your startup must operate within one of the four defined Innovation Challenge tracks (listed below in “Target Sectors”).
Selection Criteria
- Your startup must operate within one of the four defined Innovation Challenge tracks.
- Your startup should have a clear and innovative business concept with strong market potential and scalability.
- Your startup must be legally registered to be eligible for potential partnership or investment opportunities with e& Business.
- Your startup should address a real and validated need within the program’s focus areas.
- Your startup must have a qualified and committed founding team, with 2–3 team members actively participating in the program.
- At least one founder must be physically present in the program city throughout the sprint and demo preparation phases.
- Your startup should demonstrate a strong commitment to establishing a long-term presence in Egypt.
Target Sectors
- AI for Early Diagnosis & Remote Monitoring: including tools leveraging AI for early detection, remote patient care, and continuous health monitoring.
- Culturally Responsive Mental Health Tools for Women: including digital solutions addressing stigma, accessibility, and mental wellness for women.
- Digital Health Platforms for Chronic Disease Management: including scalable solutions supporting ongoing care for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
- Inclusive SRHR & Menstrual Health Education Platforms: including tech-based tools improving access to reproductive health information and menstrual health education for underserved communities.
SUPPORT & OFFERINGS
WORKSHOPS
COACHING
MENTORSHIP
NETWORKING & ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP
Grant
Investment Readiness
DEMO DAY
Program Process
SELECTION BOOTCAMP
Through intensive workshops and expert guidance, founders will sharpen their pitches, address critical challenges, and prepare for success. The bootcamp culminates with a selection committee that evaluates and identifies standout startups for further opportunities.
INNOVATION CHALLENGE
The Innovation Challenge Program will enable the most promising startups in refining their products, test market fit, improve their business models and pitch to external investors
SELECTION COMMITTEE
Startups will present in front of a selection committee composed of UNFPA, e&, Flat6Labs and industry experts that will select the final list of entrepreneurs to participate in the showcase day.
SHOWCASE DAY
Upon completion of the cycle, teams will attend a showcase day event to pitch their innovative ideas and progress to an audience composed of UNFPA, Flat6Labs and e& teams, investors, entrepreneurs, partners and key ecosystem stakeholders.
