Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. It thrives where diverse perspectives collide, and today, some of the most urgent societal challenges require a bridge between continents. Enter the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) and its flagship Thematic Challenges (TCs)—a dynamic initiative designed to turn shared problems into collaborative, market-ready solutions.
Moving beyond traditional “open innovation,” Thematic Challenges are agile, co-creation programs that pair innovators from Africa and Europe. Unlike a standard competition, these challenges focus on building an inclusive ecosystem where stakeholders—from start-ups and students to policymakers and large corporates—work together on pre-defined issues aligned with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda.
While the first round successfully tackled the Green Transition, the spotlight has now shifted to Public Health. This second thematic round addresses the backbone of societal resilience, focusing on:
Equitable Access: Manufacturing vaccines and medicines locally.
System Strengthening: Enhancing community-level care and health security.
Digital Frontiers: Deploying AI, data, and digital tools for better health outcomes.
The AEIP isn’t just about ideation; it’s about embedded growth. Participants gain:
Global Networking: Widen your perspective by connecting with the broader R&I ecosystem.
Scalability Support: Access the networks and funding needed to take a solution from prototype to reality.
The Ultimate Stage: Winning teams aren’t just celebrated online—they are sponsored to attend the AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in October 2026, a premier gathering of innovation leaders.
The process is designed to be as inclusive as it is impactful, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth.
| Phase | Timeline | Key Activity |
| 1. The Call | May – June 19, 2026 | Applications open for innovators to join the Public Health challenge. |
| 2. Pairing | July 2026 | AEIP teams group participants based on complementary skills and regions. |
| 3. Ideation | Aug 2026 | Groups brainstorm and submit feasible, scalable innovative solutions. |
| 4. Showcase | Oct 2026 | Winners from both the Green Transition and Public Health rounds meet in person. |
Whether you are a researcher with a breakthrough idea or a corporate entity looking to foster problem-solving, the Thematic Challenges offer a unique seat at the table. Your commitment to partnership is the only prerequisite.
Join the movement to co-create Africa’s and Europe’s digital and health future. For more information or to apply, reach out to info@africaeuropeinnovation.net.