The future of healthcare innovation in Nigeria received a major boost on Thursday as SFH Access unveiled the inaugural beneficiaries of the CoElevate Catalytic Fund, presenting seed funding awards to promising startups poised to transform healthcare delivery across Nigeria and Africa.

The maiden edition of CoElevate Catalyst: Scaling the Future of Health, held at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja, brought together healthcare leaders, innovators, investors, policymakers, development partners and ecosystem stakeholders in a shared commitment to accelerating locally developed solutions capable of strengthening health systems and improving health outcomes.

The selected startups emerged through a rigorous and competitive process involving more than 250 applicants, with evaluations focusing on innovation, scalability, sustainability and measurable social impact. The beneficiaries represent diverse areas of healthcare innovation, underscoring the increasing role of entrepreneurship and technology in addressing persistent healthcare challenges.

Beyond the presentation of awards, the event served as a platform for robust conversations around ecosystem development, founder support, financing and partnerships required to accelerate sustainable healthcare transformation across the continent.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, SFH Access Group Director and Managing Director, Dennis Aizobu, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of healthcare innovation.
“The CoElevate Catalytic Fund was established to bridge a critical gap within the innovation ecosystem,” Aizobu said. “Many promising health startups possess the vision and capability to create impact, yet often struggle to secure the support needed to scale. Through CoElevate, we are providing catalytic capital that enables innovators to move from promising ideas to sustainable solutions capable of transforming lives and communities.”

According to him, the fund reflects SFH Access’ broader commitment to advancing market-based solutions that improve healthcare accessibility, affordability and quality. He stressed that the support extends beyond financial assistance to include mentorship, strategic partnerships, visibility and opportunities for growth. “Nigeria is witnessing an exciting shift in the way healthcare challenges are being addressed. This presents an opportunity for innovators, investors, policymakers and development partners to work together in creating lasting impact,” he added.

Delivering opening remarks, Chairman of the SFH Access Board of Directors, Alhaji Ahmed Yakasai, mni, FPSN, said the event represented far more than an award ceremony. “Today is not simply about an award ceremony or recognition; it is a celebration of ideas, innovation, technology, excellence and the incredible impact that young people continue to make across different sectors,” he said.

Yakasai challenged young innovators to continue creating solutions that benefit humanity, noting that true progress begins when people move beyond personal interests to focus on solving societal problems. “The future belongs to those who are willing to innovate and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said, while appreciating investors and partners whose support made the initiative possible.

In his remarks, SFH Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, said Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is entering an exciting phase but warned that long-term success would depend on enabling policies, strategic partnerships and investments that help solutions scale effectively.

He noted that innovation must remain focused on solving practical healthcare challenges while building sustainable business models capable of delivering measurable impact. According to him, the true value of health innovation lies not merely in technology but in its ability to improve the lives of ordinary people and strengthen healthcare delivery systems.

Industry leaders also used the occasion to call for stronger collaboration and ecosystem support during a high-level panel discussion titled, “From Grants to Growth: Catalysing the Future of Health Innovation in Nigeria.”

Speaking during the session, Executive in Residence at Lagos Business School, Dr. Olu Akanmu, argued that access to funding alone was insufficient to build successful health ventures. “Funding is important, but funding without guidance can sometimes create additional challenges,” he said. “What innovators need is an ecosystem that supports their growth journey from idea development to scale.”

Akanmu explained that many startups fail not because of poor ideas but because they lack access to expertise, strategic relationships and market opportunities. He urged stakeholders to invest in founder capability, resilience and leadership, noting that stronger linkages among innovators, healthcare providers, policymakers, investors and development partners would determine whether solutions achieve meaningful scale.

Moderating the panel, Group Director and Acting Rector, Institute of Public Health, Society for Family Health, Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, described healthcare innovation as a collective responsibility requiring contributions from every sector.

“The future of health innovation depends on our ability to work together. No single organization can solve the challenges facing our healthcare system alone. Sustainable impact requires collaboration, partnership and shared commitment,” she said.

Anyanti repeatedly emphasized that the event was not simply about disbursing seed funding but activating an ecosystem. She called for continued dialogue, supportive policies and stronger partnerships to eliminate barriers limiting healthcare innovation and access.

Delivering a goodwill message, Country Director of PharmAccess and President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Mrs. Njide Ndili, expressed excitement about the initiative and commended efforts aimed at supporting young innovators.

“I am genuinely excited to be part of this. My interest has always been in promoting youth development, innovation and exploring how such initiatives can be funded and scaled effectively,” Ndili said. She added that she looked forward to understanding how digital transformation and innovation could improve healthcare access, particularly for low-income communities and countries with large youth populations.

Participants at the event praised SFH Access for creating a mechanism that supports both early-stage and growth-stage innovators while contributing to the development of a stronger healthcare innovation ecosystem in Nigeria.

As the inaugural cohort begins its journey, stakeholders expressed optimism that the CoElevate Catalytic Fund would accelerate innovation, strengthen health systems and contribute to improved health outcomes in underserved communities.

The unveiling of the first cohort of CoElevate beneficiaries marked not only the celebration of emerging innovators but also the birth of a broader movement aimed at empowering entrepreneurs to develop sustainable, scalable solutions capable of shaping the future of health across Nigeria and Africa.

For Advert, Event Coverage/Press Conference Invite, Story/Article Publication & Other Media Services
Contact Us On WhatsApp
Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest And Interesting News Across Nigeria And The World