Pathogen Economy Labs (PEL) officially welcomed a new group of innovators into the 2nd Cohort of its incubation programme, an initiative spearheaded by the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat (STI) in collaboration with the Makerere AI Lab and Marconi Lab. The onboarding meeting was both an introduction and a roadmap-setting session for the promising startups selected to join the programme.
A Warm Welcome & Challenge Ahead
Allan Lule, Business Development Manager at PEL, opened the meeting by congratulating the teams on their selection, commending their potential to drive impactful solutions in health innovation. He reminded the startups that while product development and research form a strong foundation, true success lies in building products people want to buy.
“We have done all the product development and the research—but how can we make the people buy?” – Allan Lule
He tasked each team with drafting a work plan, budget, and business plan to guide their incubation journey.
Walking Through the Incubation Framework
Startups were introduced to PEL’s Incubation Framework and Commercialization Pathway, which includes:
- Market Analysis – understanding customer needs and the competitive landscape.
- Product Development – refining and adapting products for real-world use.
- Market Development – identifying demand and scaling solutions.
- Business Development – structuring sustainable ventures.
The session also emphasized the importance of visibility, branding, and marketing. Teams were encouraged to define clear marketing campaigns and think critically about their channels of distribution to reach their target customers.
Startups Present Their Value Propositions
Each team presented a draft business plan, highlighting their unique value propositions and how they aim to disrupt or transform the healthcare space. The exercise opened the floor for feedback and mentorship, ensuring that startups leave the session with sharper strategies for impact.
Legal & Compliance Guidance
Recognizing that building a business requires more than technical innovation, PEL’s Legal Compliance Consultant provided critical insights on navigating the business landscape, covering:
- Data privacy regulations and their implications for health-focused startups.
- Contracts and commercial agreements to safeguard partnerships.
- Tax advisory and compliance for sustainable operations.
- Investment and fundraising strategies to attract and manage capital.
Charting the Path Forward
By the close of the meeting, startups walked away with not only inspiration but also a clear set of expectations: refine their plans, strengthen their business cases, and prepare to commercialize their innovations.
