On 3rd March, guests gathered in Accra, Ghana, to celebrate the achievements of the inaugural cohort of the Health Innovation in a Virtual Environment (HiVE). The event marked the end of a one-year pilot of HiVE, involving 19 pioneers from across rural and urban Ghana.
Delivered via an online platform, the programme aims to identify innovative, fresh-thinking and applicable ideas that address global health issues. HiVE follows the traditional idea of an accelerator, but with some twists. Pioneers are matched with a team of multidisciplinary industry experts, underpinned by a key skills curriculum. Matched with virtual mentors and advisers, participants challenge and refine their idea for real-world applications.
Commenting on the programme HiVE Pioneer Bernard Logonia, IT/Data Manager of Navrongo Research, said: “To me, I think the HiVE programme is the best opportunity to help me develop my idea. I have used several online learning platforms, but I think this is an excellent extension to traditional class-based training”
Speaking at the event, Karen Brady, COO of HiVE, said: “I am delighted to be here today to congratulate and celebrate the inaugural cohort of HiVE Pioneers.”
“The ideas proposed have been highly diverse, ranging from naturally-derived water treatments, waste composting and mobile technology and microfinance innovations; to stroke rehabilitation, training simulations and curriculum development.”
“HiVE has the potential to bring great minds together, to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges and health threats.”
“I want to thank everyone who has been involved in making this pilot a huge success.”
Future plans include growing the programme in Ghana and scaling to other regions in Africa. The digital nature of HiVE provides great flexibility, with the platforms accessible via laptops or smartphones, even with limited connectivity.
If you are interested in supporting HiVE or would like to get involved as a Pioneer, mentor or advisor, please contact HiVE@lstmed.ac.uk or sign up as a friend of LSTM to receive quarterly updates.
For more information visit: www.lstmed.ac.uk/HiVE
Click to watch the live panel discussion on the impact HiVE has had on the inagrual Pioneers
