ACCELERATING THE FUTURE
The Shift Innovation Challenge
The Shift Innovation Challenge by e& egypt foundation, e& business, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Embassy of Norway and implemented by Flat6Labs, 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.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING
The Shift 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, preparing them for investment, giving participating startups access to expertise from Flat6Labs and partners.
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 the program partners.
- 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
- HealthTech
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing of Youth, Women and Girls
- Al in Health
- Reproductive, Maternal and Women’s Health.
- Al Sports and Wellbeing
- SportsTech
**Inclusion of the UNFPA logo does not imply endorsement of any company, brand, product, or service
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 Shift Innovation Challenge 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
The program will culminate in a Showcase Day, where the startups will pitch their innovative ideas and progress to an audience composed of UNFPA, Flat6Labs, e& business and e& egypt foundation, investors, entrepreneurs, partners and key ecosystem stakeholders. The top three teams potentially selected will receive funding from the program.
