3D Design Challenge: Designing for Maternal & Neonatal Health

Across Tanzania, innovators and entrepreneurs have bold ideas to improve maternal and neonatal health, but sometimes, all an innovator needs to do is have the right space, tools, and guidance to bring those ideas to life.

The 3D Design Challenge provides early-stage innovators with the opportunity to take their first step from concept to prototype, utilizing 3D printing technology and expert support at the Ifakara Innovation Hub.

This challenge is focused on maternal and neonatal health because small, affordable innovations, from safe delivery kits to newborn temperature monitors, can save lives. With access to modern tools and guidance, ideas can spark real change.

Therefore, we are calling on:

• Early-stage innovators or startups working in healthcare.
• Individuals or small teams with solutions for pregnant women, newborns, infants, or community health workers.
• Entrepreneurs ready to prototype a 3D-printable product for maternal and neonatal health.

By joining the 3D Design Challenge, you will:

• Prototype your first healthcare solution with expert guidance.
• Access state-of-the-art fabrication tools, ie, 3D printers and more.
• Gain visibility and credibility as an early-stage innovator.
• Join a pipeline for future opportunities at IIH, including incubation support.

This is not an incubation or funding program; it is a starting point to help you build and showcase your first product.

What success would look like for the applicants:

• One impactful idea will be prototyped at IIH
• Early innovators gain exposure to digital fabrication and innovation processes.
• A promising idea may move forward into the IIH incubation program, with access to coaching mentorship and potential funding.

So what are you waiting for? Apply NOW to stand a chance to get support to prototype your idea into a product.

Apply here: http://bit.ly/3HSIahp

Deadline 7^th September 2025

Terms & Conditions

1. Original Ideas Only – All designs must be original and not infringe on existing intellectual property.
2. Early-Stage Focus – This is not an incubation or funding program. It is a prototyping initiative to help innovators create their first product.
3. Support Provided – IIH provides technical expertise, space, and tools, but not direct financial funding.
4. Open Collaboration – Selected ideas may be adapted or iterated for public benefit in collaboration with IIH and partners.
5. Ownership & Recognition – Final ownership and support arrangements will be clarified with selected winners. Innovators retain credit for their ideas.

IIH Rights – Ifakara Innovation Hub reserves the right to adjust timelines, processes, or requirements as needed.