Merck has also opened the second round of its three-month accelerator programme. Merck has expanded its digital health accelerator programme into Kenya , the first country outside its home country of Germany . " Africa is one of the most promising and dynamic markets for digital health , driven by a vibrant and innovative startup culture , " said Michael Gamber , head of Microsoft 's Innovation Group . Running for three months , the programme will provide equity - free funding of $ 15k for three digital health start - ups , plus coaching and mentoring from Merck 's global network and the use of working space at a co - working technology hub in Nairobi . The company has also opened the second round , making $ 25k equity - free funding available and use of office space at the Merck Innovation Center at its Darmstadt headquarters . " The execution of an application will not be limited by the conditions of the location where it was born , " said Gamber . Bayer and Microsoft also offer support programmes and potential partnerships with digital health start - ups .
Merck has expanded its digital health accelerator programme into Kenya , the first country outside its home country of Germany . " Africa is one of the most promising and dynamic markets for digital health , driven by a vibrant and innovative startup culture , " said Michael Gamber , head of Microsoft 's Innovation Group . Running for three months , the programme will provide equity - free funding of $ 15k for three digital health start - ups , plus coaching and mentoring from Merck 's global network and the use of working space at a co - working technology hub in Nairobi . The company has also opened the second round , making $ 25k equity - free funding available and use of office space at the Merck Innovation Center at its Darmstadt headquarters . " The execution of an application will not be limited by the conditions of the location where it was born , " said Gamber . Bayer and Microsoft also offer support programmes and potential partnerships with digital health start - ups .