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Villgro Africa, working together with The Fred Hollows Foundation, has launched the call for applications to join the Eye Health Innovation Accelerator 2026.
This initiative seeks to back African technology-driven startups that are creating solutions to expand access to quality eye care across Sub-Saharan Africa, where many communities continue to face barriers to vision services.
The programme is open to ventures that are formally registered in countries within Sub-Saharan Africa and led by founders or senior executives who live on the continent.
Eligible startups should already have a validated tech-enabled solution aimed at improving eye health.
Examples include digital tools for eye screening and diagnosis, tele-ophthalmology platforms, artificial intelligence systems for vision care, data management software, and affordable assistive devices.
In addition to having a promising product or service, applicants must show early signs of traction, such as partnerships, pilot results, or initial revenue.
Selected companies will be offered a combination of technical support, mentorship, and help with accessing markets.
Participants in the accelerator will also be considered for seed funding between USD 100,000 and USD 250,000, with the possibility of additional investment later.
As part of the programme, founders will attend in-person bootcamps and peer learning sessions designed to sharpen business models and improve investment readiness.
The accelerator aims to identify and strengthen ventures that can make a measurable impact on eye care in low- and middle-income settings, particularly in areas where rates of preventable vision loss remain high, and healthcare resources are limited.
The Fred Hollows Foundation, a global non-profit dedicated to ending avoidable blindness and enhancing eye health services, brings subject-matter expertise to the partnership.
The foundation operates in multiple regions, including several African countries, with programmes focused on vision screening, treatment, and health systems strengthening.
Startups interested in joining the 2026 cohort must submit an online application by 14 January 2026.
Materials to accompany the submission include a corporate pitch deck, a description of existing traction, and optional demo videos or recorded founder presentations.
For further details or to apply, prospective participants should visit the official programme website – Here
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