Applications are currently open for the second annual Pitch Perfect Africa 2026, a program designed to celebrate and support entrepreneurs who are developing health-focused innovations across the African continent. The initiative provides early-stage H2i ventures with crucial funding and pitching opportunities, helping them enhance their investment readiness through a competitive experience. Originally created for H2i ventures, the program expanded in 2025 to include H2i’s African venture community. From the applicant pool, six H2i Level 2 ventures will be chosen to present their innovations to a panel of expert judges.
Program Benefits
• Three selected ventures will each be awarded a CAD $5,000 Innovation Fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must be a current H2i Level 2 HENT venture, which corresponds to the Discovery stage of H2i’s four-level venture development model.
• Ventures must be onboarded by their lead mentor by August 31, 2026, with no exceptions.
• Previous winners of Pitch Perfect Africa are not eligible to apply; however, past finalists who did not win are encouraged to reapply.
Application and Key Dates
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 11:59pm (Eastern Time) (30 September 2026, 04:59 GMT+1).
• H2i x University of Toronto Libraries Market Research Workshop: Date and details to be announced soon.
• Building a Winning Pitch Masterclass: Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Virtual Pitch Competition: Monday, November 16, 2026.
For further information on the program or to proceed with an application, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Pitch Perfect Africa website.