Rift Valley Summit Crowns Lifeline Addis with $150,000 Prize

Lifeline Addis, a home-based healthcare startup, has emerged as a leading victor at the Great Rift Valley Innovation Summit (GRV Summit), securing $150,000 in grants in the Legacy Builders category.

“This is a huge recognition for us and a validation that the work we do is important,” said Blen Fekade, COO of Lifeline.

Established a little over three years ago, Lifeline Addis offers three main services: in-home care for patients with chronic conditions requiring nursing assistance, preventative wellness packages, and the supply of medical equipment. The team at the victor startup is planning to use the money to expand their operations and reach more people.

The Legacy Builders category saw a total of eight awards distributed, totaling $510,000. Following Lifeline Addis, Globedock, an EdTech startup, secured second place with a prize of $110,000.

Hulucare and Muyalogy received $75,000 and $55,000, respectively, for 3rd and 4th place. Other winners in this category included Guaro Farms ($40,000), Ease Mindcare ($35,000), Dr. Azmeraw from Dubbel Technologies ($25,000), and Infra Protocol ($20,000).

In addition to the Legacy Builders, the summit also recognized and supported young innovators. Ten young innovators each received $10,000, totaling $100,000 in the Young Innovators category.

The Great Rift Valley Innovation Summit is an initiative of the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund. The award, one of the largest grant-based competition prizes in Ethiopia, is funded by contributions from Ethiopian diasporas worldwide.

The fund has previously supported critical initiatives such as COVID-19 relief efforts, childhood education, and projects addressing hygiene, sanitation, and water supply.

The judging panel at the competition featured prominent figures from various sectors, including Amity Wesis (Melela Partners), Tigist Araya (Araya Ventures), Adam Abate (Director of Investment Management at Renew Capital), and Sunil Sharma (Managing Director of Techstars Toronto Accelerator). In addition to the judges' say, the score was determined by votes from the public.