$1.3m funding programme opens to African healthcare businesses

Healthcare businesses using technology to provide primary care can apply for funding through a new $1.3 million programme run by the Swiss Re Foundation and its partners. Applications for the 2027 Entrepreneurs for Resilience programme are open until 4 October 2026.

The programme is aimed at businesses in low and middle income countries that combine digital services with physical healthcare. It is not designed for startups that are still at the idea stage. Applicants must have been established by December 2023, serve at least 50,000 people and generate at least half of their income from revenue. At least 30% of their customers must come from low-income or underserved communities.

How the funding is split

The $1.3 million will be distributed through different stages of the programme. Between six and eight companies will first enter a due-diligence stage. Each can receive up to $45,000 to work on projects aimed at improving their operations or testing new ways of reaching customers. Three to four companies will then be selected as finalists. The finalists can share up to $1 million in funding over two years. The programme also offers help with financial management, fundraising, impact measurement and expansion.

Digital health with a physical presence

The programme is looking for companies that use technology alongside physical healthcare services. This includes businesses working in telemedicine, e-pharmacies, electronic medical records and digital tools for healthcare workers.

The approach is sometimes described as a “brick-and-click” model. A company might, for example, use an online platform to connect patients with healthcare providers while relying on clinics or pharmacies to provide services in person. That distinction is important because the programme is looking for businesses that are already delivering healthcare, rather than companies developing technology without an operating service.

Who is behind the programme

The Swiss Re Foundation is running the programme with the Digital Connected Care Coalition, AXA EssentiALL, Sanofi's Global Health Unit Impact Fund and the Philips Foundation. The programme will also connect selected businesses with potential investors and corporate partners. For companies that make it through the selection process, the support goes beyond the funding. They can receive technical assistance in areas such as financial management, fundraising and measuring their impact.

African companies can apply

The programme is open to businesses operating in countries classified as low- and middle-income by the World Bank. That includes eligible businesses across African markets. However, the requirements mean that many very early-stage startups will not qualify. Companies need to have been operating for several years, have at least 50,000 users or people served, and generate most of their income through their business activities. Applications close on 4 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST. The programme will then select businesses for the due-diligence stage before choosing the final recipients of the larger funding packages.