Entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to improve healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene now have an exciting opportunity to accelerate the growth of their ventures through the Reckitt Catalyst Global Accelerator. The globally recognized initiative is currently accepting applications from impact-driven startups operating across selected countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Delivered in partnership with Yunus Social Innovation (YSI), Health Innovation Exchange (HIEx), and Acumen America, the Reckitt Catalyst program supports entrepreneurs creating practical, scalable, and community-centered innovations that expand access to health and hygiene for underserved populations.
Since its launch, the program has helped more than 80 social innovators across 15 countries, reaching over 2 million people with life-saving health and hygiene solutions. Reckitt has also committed to supporting up to 200 female and underrepresented founders by 2030, with the ambition of impacting up to 5 million people through improved access to health and hygiene.
About the Reckitt Catalyst Global Accelerator
Reckitt believes that health begins at home. Through its Stronger Communities initiative, the company invests in entrepreneurs who understand the communities they serve and are building innovative solutions to address pressing health and sanitation challenges.
Rather than focusing only on financial support, Reckitt Catalyst provides founders with an ecosystem that combines:
- Funding
- Expert mentorship
- Strategic partnerships
- Business development support
- Industry expertise
- Global visibility
- Access to networks and investors
The program aims to help entrepreneurs scale innovations that strengthen healthcare systems, improve hygiene practices, and increase access to safe water and sanitation.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to entrepreneurs operating in:
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Kenya
- India
- Pakistan
- Indonesia
- Mexico
- Brazil
Applications from entrepreneurs in the United States are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.
The accelerator welcomes ventures developing scalable innovations that improve:
- Healthcare access
- Water access
- Sanitation
- Hygiene
- Public health systems
- Community resilience
What the Program Offers
Successful entrepreneurs receive comprehensive support designed to help them grow sustainable and scalable businesses.
Benefits include:
Funding Support
Selected ventures receive financial support to expand their impact and accelerate growth.
World-Class Mentorship
Entrepreneurs gain direct access to experienced business leaders, technical experts, and industry professionals who provide strategic guidance throughout the accelerator.
Business Expertise
Participants receive practical support in areas such as:
- Business strategy
- Product development
- Market expansion
- Partnerships
- Investment readiness
- Scaling operations
Global Network
The program connects entrepreneurs with:
- Investors
- Government partners
- Healthcare experts
- Innovation ecosystems
- Corporate leaders
- Fellow entrepreneurs
Visibility
Participants gain international exposure through Reckitt’s global platform, helping increase credibility and open doors to additional partnerships and investment opportunities.
Program Partners
The accelerator is delivered alongside globally recognized organizations:
- Yunus Social Innovation (YSI)
- Health Innovation Exchange (HIEx)
- Acumen America
These partners contribute technical expertise, mentorship, innovation support, and investment readiness resources.
Focus Areas
The accelerator supports innovations addressing essential health and hygiene challenges, including:
Healthcare
Solutions improving access to healthcare services and health outcomes.
Examples include:
- Digital health
- Telemedicine
- AI-powered healthcare
- Emergency response
- Women’s health
- Medical supply chains
- Pharmacy technology
Water
Innovations expanding access to clean and safe drinking water.
Examples include:
- Water purification
- Atmospheric water generation
- Rainwater harvesting
- Smart water infrastructure
- Water treatment technologies
Sanitation
Solutions improving sanitation infrastructure and public health.
Examples include:
- Wastewater treatment
- Sanitation technologies
- Toilets and hygiene systems
- Circular sanitation models
Hygiene
Innovations promoting healthier communities through better hygiene practices.
Examples include:
- Hygiene education
- Behavioral change programs
- Community hygiene technologies
- Household hygiene innovations
Impact Achieved So Far
Reckitt Catalyst has already demonstrated significant global impact.
Program achievements include:
- Supporting more than 80 social innovators
- Operating across 15 countries
- Reaching over 2 million people
- Five-year commitment to support up to 200 female and underrepresented founders
- Goal of improving health and hygiene access for up to 5 million people by 2030
Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Reckitt Catalyst has partnered with Serena Williams as Entrepreneur-in-Residence.
As an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for equity, Serena Williams mentors participating founders while helping amplify their innovations globally.
Examples of Supported Ventures
The accelerator has already supported numerous impactful enterprises across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Examples include:
Africa
- Bulamu Bridge AI (Uganda)
- Débbo Africa
- Emergency Response Africa (Nigeria)
- LifeBank
- Zoie Health
- Aqua Clara Solutions
- Iriba Water Group
Asia
- EveryWater (Pakistan)
- Sehat Kahani
- Banka BioLoo
- Solinas
- Komodo Water
Latin America
- Zócalo Health
- Isla Urbana
- O2Eco
Global Health Innovation
- Attane Health
- Ema
- ThriveLink
- The Washing Machine Project
These ventures demonstrate the accelerator’s commitment to supporting scalable, technology-driven solutions addressing health and hygiene challenges worldwide.
Why Apply?
Participating entrepreneurs can benefit from:
- Funding to scale operations
- Personalized mentorship
- Global recognition
- Corporate partnerships
- Business growth support
- International networking opportunities
- Investment readiness
- Access to Reckitt’s global innovation ecosystem
- Increased visibility among investors and partners
Application Information
Applications are currently open.
Eligible entrepreneurs should submit their applications through the Reckitt Catalyst application portal.
Applications from entrepreneurs based in the United States are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Applicants should ensure they clearly demonstrate:
- The health or hygiene challenge they are addressing
- Their innovative solution
- Evidence of impact
- Scalability
- Community engagement
- Long-term sustainability
Why Reckitt Catalyst Stands Out
Unlike many startup accelerators, Reckitt Catalyst focuses specifically on community-led innovations that improve health, hygiene, sanitation, and water access. The program combines funding with long-term mentorship, strategic partnerships, and access to a global network, enabling entrepreneurs to scale meaningful solutions that improve lives while building sustainable businesses.
Whether developing AI-powered healthcare, clean water technologies, women’s health platforms, sanitation systems, or digital public health innovations, entrepreneurs have an opportunity to join a global movement working toward healthier and more resilient communities.
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