Villgro Africa and Fred Hollows Foundation open applications for 2026 eye health startup accelerator

Villgro Africa and The Fred Hollows Foundation launch a new call for startups developing technologies that can expand access to quality vision care across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Villgro Africa, a pan-African incubator that supports impact-driven health ventures, has opened applications for the 2026 edition of the Eye Health Innovation Accelerator. The program is delivered in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, an international non-profit focused on ending avoidable blindness and improving access to eye care worldwide. The initiative targets early-stage companies across Sub-Saharan Africa that are developing validated technology-based solutions with the capacity to transform the delivery of vision services in underserved regions.

Startups formally registered in Sub-Saharan African countries and led by founders or senior executives based on the continent may apply. To qualify, companies must demonstrate initial market validation, such as partnership agreements, pilot outcomes, or early revenue, and be able to show that their product or service is already being tested or used within their target market. Solutions of interest include technologies that streamline screening and diagnosis, enable remote consultations and tele-ophthalmology, apply artificial intelligence to clinical decision-making, improve patient data management, or expand access to affordable assistive devices for people with low vision.

Selected ventures will receive tailored mentorship, technical guidance, and support in navigating routes to market and scaling operations. They will also be considered for seed funding in the range of USD 100,000 to USD 250,000, with potential for follow-on investment. The accelerator includes in-person bootcamps and peer-learning sessions that focus on strengthening business models, refining go-to-market strategies, and preparing founders for future capital raising. The overarching ambition of the program is to accelerate the growth of companies capable of delivering measurable impact in settings where preventable vision loss remains highly prevalent and healthcare resources are often constrained.

As an organization with a three-decade legacy in global eye health, The Fred Hollows Foundation contributes strategic expertise and knowledge of regional needs, working alongside Villgro Africa to identify ventures with the greatest potential to improve outcomes at scale. Applications for the 2026 cohort are open until 14 January 2026, and must be submitted through the program’s official online portal, accompanied by a pitch deck, an overview of current traction, and any relevant product demonstrations.

For further details or to apply, prospective participants should visit the official programme website – Here