Evon Labs, an innovation and venture-building platform, has launched HealthX Catalyst, a 12-week incubation programme designed to help early-stage founders build scalable, investable solutions for Africa’s healthcare challenges.

The first cohort is already underway. 12 selected founders are in the final stretch of intensive incubation, with Demo Day set for June 24, 2026 at the United Nations Development Programme,UNDP, innovation centre in Lagos.

According to Evon Labs Founder Isioma Udeozo, the programme was created to fill a structural gap in Africa’s health-tech ecosystem. Across the continent, entrepreneurs are tackling access, diagnostics, service delivery, and health data. But many ideas stall at concept stage due to lack of mentorship, startup frameworks, industry access, and early funding pathways.

“Africa does not have a shortage of healthcare innovators. What it has lacked is the infrastructure to turn ideas into sustainable businesses,” Udeozo said. “HealthX Catalyst is that infrastructure, a serious, structured programme built to take founders from early-stage ideas to investable startups.”

Over 12 weeks, participants get personalised and group mentorship from professionals in healthcare, tech, and business. They also get hands-on support to refine business models, sharpen value propositions, validate markets, and prepare for investors.

Founders also gain direct access to healthcare practitioners, sector experts, and industry leaders. The goal: graduates leave with more than a pitch. They exit with a validated business model, a stronger network, and a clear growth path.

“What we’re seeing from this first cohort is exactly what we set out to create: founders building businesses that can scale and create lasting impact,” Udeozo added.

UNDP is the anchor partner for the inaugural edition, bringing its focus on sustainable development and health systems strengthening. Other partners include Odua Investment Company Limited (OICL), Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and Brooks Insights.

The programme wraps with Demo Day on June 24, 2026. The 12 founders will pitch their solutions to investors, healthcare leaders, development organisations, and tech partners. Monetary grants will be awarded to the top three teams to fund product development, pilot testing, market validation, and early scaling.