AI for Reproductive Health in Sub-Saharan Africa Innovation Challenge 2026

The AI for Reproductive Health Innovation Challenge 2026 offers an opportunity for multidisciplinary teams across Sub-Saharan Africa to develop AI-powered solutions addressing critical maternal and reproductive health challenges while gaining technical experience, mentorship, and funding support.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, reproductive health outcomes continue to be shaped by persistent systemic and behavioral challenges. Issues such as delayed care-seeking, limited access to accurate information, high contraceptive discontinuation, and gaps in post-pregnancy loss care highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions. This innovation challenge is designed for young professionals, researchers, and technologists who want to apply their skills to real-world health problems and contribute to improving health systems through technology.

About the Program

The AI for Reproductive Health Innovation Challenge is a regional initiative organized by the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), with support from international partners including AI4D, IDRC, and FCDO.

The program brings together multidisciplinary teams to co-design, prototype, and test AI-enabled solutions using real-world datasets. Over the course of a four-week virtual innovation sprint, participants will engage in structured activities including a needs assessment, expert-led capacity-building sessions, regular mentorship check-ins, and final project presentations.

Participants are required to select one of two thematic tracks. The first track focuses on improving access to comprehensive early pregnancy loss care, addressing gaps in service delivery, referral systems, and timely treatment. The second track centers on empowering informed contraceptive decision-making by developing intelligent tools that help individuals choose suitable methods based on their health profiles and personal circumstances.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Reproductive health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa remain a significant public health concern, with preventable maternal deaths and limited access to essential services still prevalent in many regions. At the same time, advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science offer new possibilities to address these issues at scale.

This innovation challenge creates a platform where technical expertise and health knowledge intersect. By bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds, the program encourages the development of context-specific, culturally relevant, and scalable solutions. It also supports capacity building among African innovators, helping to strengthen local expertise and reduce reliance on external solutions.

What Participants Will Gain

Participants in the innovation challenge will benefit from a combination of practical experience, technical development, and professional exposure. Teams will gain hands-on experience working with real-world datasets and applying AI tools to solve complex health problems.

The program provides access to mentorship from experts in data science, healthcare, and digital innovation, helping participants refine their ideas and improve the quality of their solutions. Capacity-building webinars and technical sessions will strengthen participants’ analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in applying AI to health contexts.

In addition to skill development, participants will have the opportunity to build meaningful collaborations across disciplines, expanding their professional networks. Winning teams will receive financial support and international exposure, including the opportunity to present their work at a major regional conference.

Who Can Apply

The innovation challenge is open to multidisciplinary teams composed of individuals with backgrounds in both technical and health-related fields. Teams must include members with expertise in areas such as data science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, medicine, nursing, or public health.

Each team must consist of three to six members and include at least two female participants. Applicants must be residents or citizens of Sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrate a strong interest in using AI to address reproductive health challenges.

Participants are expected to commit fully to the program, including attending all webinars, engaging in collaborative work, and participating in the final presentations.

Eligible Areas

This opportunity is open to applicants from all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Applications from Lusophone and Francophone countries are strongly encouraged to ensure regional diversity and inclusion.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested teams are required to submit an application that includes a 300-word statement of interest. This statement should outline the team’s motivation for applying, relevant experience in artificial intelligence and health, and how their proposed solution aligns with the challenge themes.

Applications must be submitted by 3 May 2026. Shortlisted teams will be invited to participate in the innovation sprint, which will take place from 11 May to 6 June 2026. Final presentations will be held on 11 June, with winners announced on 15 June 2026.

Winning teams from each track will receive a cash prize of USD 1,350 and an all-expenses-paid opportunity to attend and present at Data Science Africa 2026, scheduled for 23–24 July at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

Learn more in the official call and apply in the Google Form.

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