A Kenyan technology startup, xetova, has been named as a 2020 Global Solve finalist by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the health security and pandemics category. MIT Solve is an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) aimed at solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
Through the ongoing MIT’s 2020 Solve Global Challenge, xetova is the only Artificial Intelligence-backed African technology innovation finalist to participate in MIT’s Solve initiative under the theme, health security and pandemics track.
Innovative solutions
xetova was recognized for its innovation of the African Health Security Alliance Platform (AHSA), which supports response preparedness in managing disease events, resource mobilization, and resulting procurement action. The platform enables users to have real-time insights and foresight across the health value chains.
According to the founder and CEO, Mr Bramuel Mwalo, xetova is re-imagining procurement management to make it efficient, value-driven, and inclusive.
“This recognition has validated our work and boosted our morale as we seek to grow our partnerships,” Mr Mwalo said. “Our innovative solution will greatly support efforts by the government, corporates, financial institutions and donors to scale up value delivery and make procurement seamless, efficient, and Inclusive.”
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) chief executive Carole Karuga hailed xetova for the feat in getting global recognition for a world-class innovation developed locally. “We urge other Kenyans to innovate as we assure them that we shall continue to champion the interests of the local business community in trade, investment and industrial relations,” Ms Karuga said.
xetova’s endeavour comes at an opportune time in support of President Kenyatta’s call for a collaborative and transparent approach in managing healthcare resources both at national and county levels. KEPSA says it is confident that xetova has the solutions to support the government and many other actors to enhance collaboration, transparency and better insights.
Battle of the finalists
Finalists are expected to pitch their solutions at the Solve Challenge Finals in September during UN General Assembly Week in New York City. If selected as a Solver, xetova will join a supportive community of social impact leaders, funders, and experts to help advance their innovative work through Solve’s nine-month program.
Other benefits include mentorship and strategic advice from Solve and MIT network as well as access to over $2 million in prize funding for the 2020 Global Challenges.
xetova is heavily investing in producing modern technology and building relationships that will create and deliver value for enterprises in Africa.
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The global Covid-19 pandemic has brought to fore the importance of supply-chains preparedness in combating pandemics. During this crisis, there has been disease surveillance and the procurement of essential products being greatly disrupted.
xetova has developed a solution to support the operations of actors working to ensure health security and resilience for organizations like government agencies, donor organizations, medical institutions and supply chain actors (manufacturers, buyers, suppliers, financiers) – critical to the availability of essential healthcare products in the country.
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