CTLI Awards $15K to Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Liberia’s Healthcare Sector
Monrovia, Liberia – November 20, 2024
The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation (CTLI), under its Health Entrepreneurship Advancement Leveraging Research (HEALR) program, has awarded $15,000 to innovative healthcare ventures during its second cohort Pitch Fest. Held on Wednesday, the event marked the culmination of a six-month mentorship and training program aimed at addressing Liberia’s healthcare challenges through entrepreneurial solutions.
Six teams showcased their ventures to a panel of judges with expertise in health and business, including Stephina T. Warner, Director of UNDP UniPod; Zaza Mulbah, Senior Manager at Orange Digital Center; and Mrs. Shirley S. Fahnbulleh, Senior Coordinator for Continuing Professional Development at BRIDGE-U: Liberia. Each team had 10 minutes to present, followed by an 8-minute Q&A session with the judges.
The ventures addressed critical gaps in healthcare delivery:
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Family Fresh (Alvin G. Grugbaye): Healthy food options for individuals with diabetes and weight-related conditions.
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Hema-Life (Georgelen Kou Dahn and Sam-well L. Yarkpazuo): Iron-boosting seasoning powder.
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Pharma Mal (Deerah Mensah): Rapid malaria testing for underserved slum communities.
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Recycled Plastics Guy (Carlos T.S. Kerkula): Recycled plastic school chairs.
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TAB Natural Mosquito Repellent (Harris Tokpah): Natural mosquito repellents.
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Wheels4Life (Delphine Williams): Affordable patient transportation to hospitals.
Pharma Mal claimed the top prize of $6,000, with Wheels4Life and Family Fresh taking second and third prizes, receiving $4,000 and $2,000 respectively. The remaining teams were awarded $1,000 each in recognition of their innovative efforts. The awards were sponsored by the U.S.-based Ngozi Foundation.
Reflecting on the journey, 1st prize winner Deerah Mensah expressed her gratitude: “It has been a tough journey for every one of us. The mentors provided us with the tools and guidance needed to bring our ideas to life.”
Delphine Williams and Alvin G. Grugbaye also highlighted the mentorship and collaborative environment that fostered their growth: “We’ve gone through ideation, creation, and today’s milestone. This competition showcases the significant progress we’ve made.”
Emily Sheldon, Co-Founder and CEO of the African Health Innovation Centre, commended the teams: “This journey is a testament to your growth and the impactful solutions you’ve developed over the months.”
The HEALR Creation Course, part of the BRIDGE-U: Liberia initiative funded by USAID through the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences, empowers aspiring entrepreneurs through its three-phase program—Ideation, Creation, and Implementation—equipping them with the skills, mentorship, and networks to launch transformative ventures in healthcare.
RADIO HOUR
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