Ghana’s digital health sector is set for a major boost with the launch of the €100,000 AYA Innovation Challenge, a national competition aimed at empowering local innovators, developers, and startups to design technology-driven solutions for managing diabetes and hypertension.
The initiative, announced in Accra by the AYA–Integrated Healthcare Initiative, seeks to harness innovation to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. AYA is a collaborative platform involving the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the pharmaceutical industry, and philanthropic partners. Together, they aim to drive systemic health reforms from prevention and early detection to integrated treatment and patient empowerment.
Under the theme “Designing the Future of Patient Self-Care,” the Challenge invites entrepreneurs with ready-designed ideas or prototypes to develop sustainable digital tools that enable individuals to monitor blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The tools are expected to strengthen communication between patients and healthcare providers while enhancing self-care among those living with chronic conditions.
A needs assessment conducted under the AYA Initiative found that both patients and healthcare professionals require simple, easy-to-use digital solutions for managing NCDs. The competition will therefore identify, support, and scale innovations that align with Ghana’s health system and promote patient self-management.
The winning project will receive a €100,000 grant to refine, pilot, and integrate its solution in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, with prospects for national adoption and long-term sustainability.
“The AYA Innovation Challenge represents an exciting opportunity to connect Ghana’s growing tech ecosystem with our national health priorities,” said Juliette Edzeame, AYA Project Coordinator. “By investing in local innovation, we can strengthen self-care and improve outcomes for people living with chronic conditions.”
Echoing this sentiment, Nelson Amo, Executive Director of Innohub, said: “At Innohub, we are passionate about unlocking the power of innovation to create lasting impact. The AYA Innovation Challenge reflects our commitment to supporting local innovators and SMEs to build practical, scalable solutions that improve lives. We are proud to be implementing this initiative in Ghana, where digital innovation continues to redefine what’s possible in healthcare.”
Applications are open to software development firms, tech startups, and innovators with digital health solutions focused on disease self-monitoring and management. Both local and international applicants are eligible, although foreign firms must demonstrate strategies for local implementation and capacity transfer to Ghanaian partners.
Applicants are required to design open-source, transferable solutions that comply with Ghana’s data protection and interoperability standards. Ownership of the final tool will be transferred to the Ghana Health Service upon completion of the project.
Applications opened on October 27, 2025, and will close on November 10, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will pitch their solutions to a panel of experts in November, with the winning firm to be announced shortly thereafter.
The AYA Innovation Challenge forms part of a broader mission by AYA to promote innovation, collaboration, and accessibility in healthcare delivery. Through this initiative, Ghana’s health system is expected to take another step towards achieving integrated, technology-enabled patient care.
Applicants can find more information and submit entries at www.innohub.com.gh/aya
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