SFH Access has unveiled the inaugural beneficiaries of the CoElevate Catalytic Fund, presenting seed funding awards to promising startups poised to transform healthcare delivery across Nigeria and Africa.
The maiden edition of CoElevate Catalyst: Scaling the Future of Health, held in Ikeja, brought together healthcare leaders, innovators, investors, policymakers, development partners and ecosystem stakeholders in a shared commitment to accelerating locally developed solutions capable of strengthening health systems and improving health outcomes.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, SFH Access Group Director and Managing Director, Dennis Aizobu, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of healthcare innovation.
According to him, the fund reflects SFH Access’ broader commitment to advancing market-based solutions that improve healthcare accessibility, affordability and quality.
He stressed that the support extends beyond financial assistance to include mentorship, strategic partnerships, visibility and opportunities for growth.
Delivering opening remarks, Chairman of the SFH Access Board of Directors, Alhaji Ahmed Yakasai, mni, FPSN, said the event represented far more than an award ceremony.
“Today is not simply about an award ceremony or recognition; it is a celebration of ideas, innovation, technology, excellence and the incredible impact that young people continue to make across different sectors,” he said.
Yakasai challenged young innovators to continue creating solutions that benefit humanity, noting that true progress begins when people move beyond personal interests to focus on solving societal problems.
“The future belongs to those who are willing to innovate and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said, while appreciating investors and partners whose support made the initiative possible.
In his remarks, SFH Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, said Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is entering an exciting phase but warned that long-term success would depend on enabling policies, strategic partnerships and investments that help solutions scale effectively.
He noted that innovation must remain focused on solving practical healthcare challenges while building sustainable business models capable of delivering measurable impact.
According to him, the true value of health innovation lies not merely in technology but in its ability to improve the lives of ordinary people and strengthen healthcare delivery systems.
Speaking during the session, Executive in Residence at Lagos Business School, Dr. Olu Akanmu, argued that access to funding alone was insufficient to build successful health ventures.
“Funding is important, but funding without guidance can sometimes create additional challenges,” he said. “What innovators need is an ecosystem that supports their growth journey from idea development to scale.”
Akanmu explained that many startups fail not because of poor ideas but because they lack access to expertise, strategic relationships and market opportunities.
He urged stakeholders to invest in founder capability, resilience and leadership, noting that stronger linkages among innovators, healthcare providers, policymakers, investors and development partners would determine whether solutions achieve meaningful scale.
Moderating the panel, Group Director and Acting Rector, Institute of Public Health, Society for Family Health, Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, described healthcare innovation as a collective responsibility requiring contributions from every sector.
“The future of health innovation depends on our ability to work together. No single organization can solve the challenges facing our healthcare system alone. Sustainable impact requires collaboration, partnership and shared commitment,” she said.
Anyanti repeatedly emphasized that the event was not simply about disbursing seed funding but activating an ecosystem.
She called for continued dialogue, supportive policies and stronger partnerships to eliminate barriers limiting healthcare innovation and access.
Delivering a goodwill message, Country Director of PharmAccess and President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Mrs. Njide Ndili, expressed excitement about the initiative and commended efforts aimed at supporting young innovators.
“I am genuinely excited to be part of this. My interest has always been in promoting youth development, innovation and exploring how such initiatives can be funded and scaled effectively,” Ndili said.
She added that she looked forward to understanding how digital transformation and innovation could improve healthcare access, particularly for low-income communities and countries with large youth populations.
