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OUR APPROACH

Transforming evidence through innovation

At UWRA, innovation is not about technology for its own sake. It is about finding creative, evidence-based solutions to complex health challenges — and ensuring those solutions reach the communities and systems that need them most.

Our Innovation Lab brings together researchers, developers, clinicians, and community partners to design, prototype, and scale tools that improve health outcomes, strengthen systems, and empower communities.

We focus on practical, scalable, and context-appropriate innovations that address Africa's most pressing health priorities — from digital health and AI to GIS and decision support systems.

Digital Health Mobile & web tools
Artificial Intelligence Predictive analytics
GIS & Spatial Health mapping
Data Science Advanced analytics
Health Informatics Systems integration
Decision Support Clinical & policy tools
TECHNOLOGY PILLARS

Innovation focus areas

Our innovation work spans six interconnected domains, each contributing to our mission of translating evidence into action.

Digital Health

Mobile health, electronic health records, telemedicine, and patient engagement platforms that improve access and quality of care.

Artificial Intelligence

Predictive modeling, natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning applications for health and research.

GIS & Spatial Analytics

Health mapping, disease surveillance, resource allocation, and geographic analysis to inform planning and response.

Data Science

Advanced analytics, big data integration, visualization, and statistical modeling for evidence generation and decision-making.

Health Informatics

Health information systems, interoperability, data standards, and governance for effective health data management.

Decision Support Systems

Clinical decision support, policy dashboards, and evidence-based tools that improve decision-making at all levels.

INNOVATION LAB

From ideas to impact

The UWRA Innovation Lab is where we design, prototype, test, and scale innovative solutions for health systems and communities.

Prototype Development

Digital Health Prototyping Lab

Rapid prototyping and user-centered design of digital health tools, from concept to minimum viable product, with community and clinical input.

3 prototypes in development Community co-design
Innovation Challenges

Health Innovation Challenge

Annual open innovation challenge inviting technologists, researchers, and community members to propose solutions to priority health challenges.

2027 Challenge Date to be communicated
Innovation Partnerships

Technology & Innovation Partnerships

Strategic partnerships with technology companies, universities, and innovation hubs to co-create and scale impactful health solutions.

3+ partners Global & local
Innovation Showcase

Innovation Showcase & Demo Day

Bi-annual event featuring prototype demonstrations, research presentations, and networking for innovators, researchers, and partners.

2027 To be communicated
FEATURED SOLUTIONS

Innovation showcase

A selection of innovative solutions and prototypes in development through UWRA's Innovation Lab.

Digital Health

mCHW Supervisory Tool

A mobile platform for community health worker supervision, performance monitoring, and real-time feedback.

AI

Mental Health Risk Predictor

An AI-powered tool using behavioral and social data to identify adolescents at risk for mental health conditions.

GIS

Health Resource Mapping

Interactive GIS dashboard mapping health facilities, community health units, and service coverage across counties.

View Full Showcase
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Exploring the future

UWRA is actively monitoring and exploring emerging technologies with potential for health impact in African settings.

Generative AI

For health education and research synthesis

IoT Devices

Remote monitoring for chronic conditions

Blockchain

Secure health data sharing and supply chains

VR/AR

Health worker training and patient education

COLLABORATE

Partner with UWRA on innovation

Join us in developing and scaling innovative solutions for health. We welcome collaborations with technologists, researchers, and development partners.

Explore Partnerships Contact Our Team