WiNFUND Call for Applications Q&A Session One with Ambulex Solutions and Villgro

Innovation thrives where passion meets purpose, and WiNFUND's latest live Q&A brought this to life with an insightful discussion featuring Judith Oketch, founder of Ambulex Solutions, and Barney Otieno & Ida Mwangi from Villgro Africa. The session offered invaluable lessons for aspiring health entrepreneurs and showcased the transformative power of women-led innovation in Africa.

Ambulex Solutions: A Lifeline for Kenyan Households

Judith Oketch shared the remarkable journey of Ambulex Solutions, which has grown to serve nearly 20,000 households in Kenya. The service bridges critical gaps in emergency healthcare access by leveraging affordable, community-centric models.

Supported by WiNFUND, Ambulex expanded its reach to 89 ambulances, upgraded its technology, and developed gender-based violence reporting tools. Judith candidly discussed the challenges of navigating health tech as a woman entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with organizations like Villgro, Reckitt, and local agencies.

Her advice for future WiNFUND applicants? "Be authentic, intentional, and reflective about your vision. Believe in your solution and its potential to create real impact."

Villgro Africa: What Investors Look For

Representing Villgro Africa, Barney Otieno and Ida Mwangi offered insights into the investment landscape for health innovation. They highlighted key trends and the value women bring to healthcare solutions:

• Focus on Underserved Populations: Investors prioritize ventures targeting underserved markets with scalable solutions, particularly those addressing the Base of the Pyramid (BoP).

• Trends to Watch:

  • Tech Adoption: AI-driven solutions like kidney disease prediction tools are gaining traction.

  • Climate-Health Innovation: Drones delivering vaccines to rural areas are reshaping healthcare access.

  • Equity-Driven Approaches: Solutions that bridge healthcare gaps and promote inclusivity stand out.

• Pitching Advice:

  • Keep your story clear and concise, showcasing your past, present, and future impact.

  • Avoid jargon—focus on relevant, accurate data.

A Call to Action for Women Innovators

The discussion underscored WiNFUND's mission to empower women entrepreneurs driving impactful healthcare solutions. Judith’s success and Villgro’s insights serve as a rallying call for female innovators to seize this opportunity. 

Applications for the next cohort are open until December 13th, 2024. Selected innovators will receive targeted support, mentorship, and connections to investors, accelerating their journeys to scale and impact.

Your Opportunity to Join the Movement

WiNFUND invites women leaders across Africa to bring their bold ideas to life. The next Q&A session will feature more alumni stories and investor insights—don’t miss it!

📅 Next Q&A: Thursday December 5th 17h00 CEST
🔗 Apply Now: WiNFUND Call for Applications | Health Innovation Exchange

Join WiNFUND to scale your vision, connect with global partners, and transform healthcare for the most underserved. Together, we can build resilient, inclusive health ecosystems.