Organon, a global healthcare company dedicated to enhancing women’s health, in collaboration with Flat6Labs, MENA’s leading venture capital firm, has announced the commencement of the second cycle of the Women’s Health Accelerator Program. The initiative aims to empower digital health startups addressing critical aspects of women’s health across the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region.
Building on the success of its inaugural cycle, the Women’s Health Accelerator Program targets three key sectors pivotal to women’s health:
- Family Planning: Innovations in Contraception Counseling, Education, and Awareness.
- Fertility Planning: Solutions for IVF Mental Health Support and Counseling.
- Women’s Wellness: Innovations in Self & Maternal Care, Disease Prevention, and Menstrual Health.
The program seeks to identify sustainable solutions to challenges faced by women in the region, focusing on accessibility, empowerment, and overall well-being enhancement. Startups from Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, KSA, and the UAE are eligible to participate, leveraging Organon & Flat6Labs’ established presence in these countries.
The Women’s Health Accelerator Program will support the growth of 15 startups through specialized training, mentorship, and exposure to key stakeholders. In addition, the program will feature virtual and on-ground community events to strengthen outreach and selection efforts.
Ramy Koussa, Associate Vice President at Organon, MENAT, highlighted the economic benefits of investing in women’s health and said, “Investing in women’s health shows positive return on investment (ROI): for every $1 invested, ~$3 is projected in economic growth. Investing in improving women’s health not only improves women’s quality of life but also enables them to participate more actively in the workforce and make a living. The potential value created through women’s higher economic participation and productivity exceeds the costs of implementation by a ratio of $3 to $1 globally. Launching the second cycle of the Women’s Health Accelerator Program marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to advancing women’s health in the MENAT region. We are excited to deepen our partnership with Flat6Labs and continue listening to the needs of women, identifying innovative solutions that foster a better and healthier every day for her. This cycle is a testament to our sustained dedication to collaboration, innovation, and the empowerment of women-led startups in the digital healthcare space.”
In the previous cycle, three standout startups, “OMGYNO,” “Siira,” and “Maternally,” showcased innovation and excellence, becoming integral parts of the ecosystem. As the program enters its second cycle, these winners will contribute their insights and experiences to guide the new cohort of startups.
Yehia Houry, Chief Programs Officer at Flat6Labs, emphasized the importance of supporting female entrepreneurs and advancing women’s healthcare, stating, “As we embark on the second cycle of the Women’s Health Accelerator Program, we are thrilled to amplify our support for female entrepreneurs shaping the future of women’s healthcare. This initiative is not just about innovation; it’s about empowering visionary minds to create lasting impact. Our ongoing partnership with Organon and the evolving focus of this cycle reaffirm our commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem for women-led startups. Together, we aim to revolutionize the healthcare landscape, ensuring it reflects the diverse and nuanced needs of women across the MENAT region.”
The launch of the second cycle of the Women’s Health Accelerator Program signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to foster innovation, collaboration, and empowerment in the digital healthcare space, driving positive change for women across the MENAT region.
For more information about the Women’s Health Accelerator Program’s second edition and the application process, please visit the website here