AYA-Integrated Healthcare Initiative has launched the AYA Innovation Challenge, a national call for digital health innovators, software developers, and tech startups to design solutions that empower Ghanaians to better manage diabetes and hypertension.

AYA is a partnership between GIZ, the Ghanaian Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the pharmaceutical industry, and philanthropic partners – driving systemic change from prevention and early detection to integrated treatment and patient empowerment.

Under the theme “Designing the Future of Patient Self-Care,” the Challenge seeks to identify entrepreneurs and innovators with ready-to-design ideas and prototypes for sustainable digital tools that enable individuals to monitor their blood pressure and blood glucose, helping bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers through innovation.

The AYA Innovation Challenge will therefore identify, support, and scale a solution that meets the needs within Ghana’s health system.  

A needs assessment conducted under the AYA Initiative revealed that both patients and healthcare providers are seeking simple, easy-to-use digital tools to support the self-management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The winning innovation will receive a €100,000 grant to refine, pilot, and integrate the tool in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service- with potential for national adoption and long-term sustainability.

“The AYA Innovation Challenge represents an exciting opportunity to connect Ghana’s growing tech ecosystem with our national health priorities,” said Juliette Edzeame, AYA Project Coordinator.

“By investing in local innovation, we can strengthen self-care and improve outcomes for people living with chronic conditions.”

Nelson Amo, Executive Director of Innohub, remarked: “At Innohub, we are passionate about unlocking the power of innovation to create lasting impact.

The AYA Innovation Challenge reflects our commitment to supporting local innovators and SMEs to build practical, scalable solutions that improve lives. We are proud to be implementing this initiative in Ghana, where digital innovation continues to redefine what’s possible in healthcare.”

Applications are open to software development firms, tech startups, and innovators with ready-designed or prototype digital health solutions that support self-monitoring and disease management.

Both local and international applicants are eligible, though international firms must demonstrate clear strategies for local implementation and capacity transfer to Ghanaian partners.

Interested applicants must be willing to provide open-source, transferable solutions that align with Ghana’s data protection and interoperability standards and transfer ownership rights of the final tool to the Ghana Health Service upon project completion.

Applications open October 27, 2025, and close on November 10, 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch their solutions to a panel of experts in November 2025, with the winning firm announced thereafter.

How to Apply

Applicants can visit www.innohub.com.gh/aya to read more and submit their applications
For enquiries, contact
kwatetso.honny@giz.de
Godfrey.Amarteifio@innohub.com.gh