UNICEF Venture Fund announces a new cohort improving access to quality health care services in emerging economies. The UNICEF Venture Fund invests up to $100,000 in equity-free funding for early-stage startups in emerging economies, developing frontier technology prototypes and open-source licensing to meet the needs of the marginalized and underserved, especially children.

The Fund launched an open call for solutions designed to improve access to health services for children and communities (particularly in remote or fragile contexts), as well as those that enhance the capacity of healthcare workers and optimize data analysis.

In response, over 500 submissions were received from 71 UNICEF programme countries, with 66 per cent coming from women-founded or women-led companies. 70 per cent of applications leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) and sophisticated machine learning (ML) techniques to improve essential digital infrastructure, with most focused on developing:

• Diagnostic models for early detection of health issues for faster interventions.
• Predictive analysis, enabling more proactive health measures.
• Data-driven health insights to support better clinical decision-making.

Four companies, all working on AI solutions, were selected. They extend the Venture Fund’s reach across Bangladesh, India and Kenya, also making a footprint in Colombia for the first time. 50 per cent of this cohort are women-founded and -led startups.
The companies in the Health Systems Strengthening Cohort are:

1. CareNX (India) uses off-the-shelf devices and AI to develop the Fetosense App, a fetal heart monitor system that helps mitigate the shortage of gynaecologists in rural areas. During the investment period, CareNX will pilot in rural health facilities, training doctors and collecting data to improve the AI algorithm (read more: https://carenx.com/).
2. Bitz ITC (Kenya) is developing an AI-powered Open Source call management system for call centers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Lesotho, supporting survivors of gender-based violence and violence against children. During the investment period Bitz ITC will refine translation and voice recognition features, enhance real-time data analytics and develop AI that identifies patterns of violence and optimizes resources (read more: https://www.bitz-itc.com/).
3. Moner Bondhu (Bangladesh) is offering accessible and affordable well-being services (in-person and online) for children and young adults via an AI-powered chatbot (Manush-E). During the investment period, Moner Bondhu will train new ML models, enhance intervention techniques and improve the user experience (read more: https://monerbondhu.com/).
4. Docokids (Colombia) is developing an AI-driven, pediatrician-backed chatbot that provides parents in remote areas with 24/7 information and consultation. During the investment period, Docokids will develop and train the AI algorithm, test it with users (including doctors), and measure its impact (read more:https://www.docokids.com/).

By supporting these companies, the UNICEF Venture Fund will gather further evidence of promising use cases to scale solutions that can best deliver results for children. The ambition is to ensure every child, regardless of ability, socioeconomic status or circumstance, receives the healthcare they are entitled to.

In addition to funding, startups will receive technical assistance and support to ensure the sustainability of their business and readiness to scale. UNICEF will also leverage its network across 190 countries to match startups with complementary initiatives in their country of operation.

Source: https://www.unicef.org/innovation/stories/four-startups-harnessing-artificial-intelligence-strengthen-healthcare-systems-children