‘From Idea to Impact’ Cohort 2 graduates – cheers!

Photo courtesy of Amref International University.

‘From Idea to Impact – Building a Public Health (Social) Enterprise’ concluded its second learning cycle, with 22 new graduates and three business plan winners. Congratulations!  

Offered in partnership by Amref International University (AMIU) and FLRF, the full-year education program helps students develop entrepreneurial skills to bring their business ideas to life. It culminates in a business plan competition and awards ceremony in Nairobi. 

This year, seven teams competed for seed money to launch their social enterprises (USD 3,000, 2,000, and 1,000). 

These three teams emerged at the top, thanks to their transformative ideas aimed at tackling public health challenges in Kenya and beyond:

• Benevita Home Healthcare: First-place winner for its professionalized, insurance-integrated home nursing model improving access to quality care
• AfyaMind: Second-place winner for its digital platform designed to improve mental health service delivery and practitioner efficiency
• MaggoCare: Third-place winner for its patient-centered approach to chronic care management

Stay tuned for profiles on each winning team, coming soon.

Honored by Ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya

For the second year in a row, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya was the guest of honor. His Excellency Mr. Mirko Giulietti said it was privilege to return. He noted that what began with a small group of students has become a landmark and catalyst – sparking the innovations and collaborations that are ‘Shaping the Future of Public Health Education’ and primary healthcare in Africa.

FLRF and AMIU were deeply honored to welcome His Excellency to the event and are grateful for his dedication to the ‘From Idea to Impact’ program, which aims to empower students with the tools to build enterprises that strengthen health services in Kenya. 

Congratulating students on their progress and courage, Dr. Katharina Lichtner, FLRF managing director and program lecturer, said: “You’re taking brave, bold steps outside of your comfort zones, to innovate your own solutions to the challenges facing your communities. Working with inspiring students like you, watching your growth – it’s a joy.”

Update from Cohort 1 business plan winners 

The three teams to win the program’s inaugural business plan competition (2025) also returned to take the stage. Each demonstrated progress with their public health enterprise, resulting in follow-on funding to continue developing their businesses. Congratulations to:  

• N'Lishe – locally sourced micronutrient powder for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, caregivers, and children, especially in the first 1,000 days 
• Eco Afya Organics – sustainable waste management and organic compost and fertilizer 
• Mama Tuk Health – two-part solution to access emergency health services: a smart wristband that tracks maternal indicators and location and transport, with solar-powered, centralized tuk-tuks 

‘From Idea to Impact’ empowers students, helping them develop the skills to bring their creative, public health ideas to life. Learn more about the program here.