Introduction 

The East Africa Biodesign (EAB) Fellowship is a training program designed to empower innovators in Africa to develop contextually appropriate, accessible, and sustainable health innovations.  The East Africa Biodesign consortium is a collaboration between University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign, the Center of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and eHealth under the University of Rwanda (UR), and Kenyatta University. The 2025 EAB cohort will have eight fellows in two separate teams: four based in UGHE, Kigali and four in Kenyatta University, Nairobi. 

The joint application for the EAB Fellowship is open. Priority will be given to candidates from the East African Community member states with a background in the fields of engineering, medicine, business, and other disciplines relevant to health technology innovation. 

About this Program: 

• Start: January 2025  
• Format: Full-time  
• Duration: 10 months 
• Location: Kigali, Rwanda and Nairobi, Kenya  
• Tuition: Fully covered by the program  
• Stipend: Successful applicants will receive a modest stipend to cover living expenses  
• Application due: August 02nd, 2024 

Note:  

• This is not a degree-granting program; fellows will receive an EAB certificate upon completion of the fellowship and continue to be part of the greater Biodesign community. 
• You can submit your application through a single portal. In the application, please indicate your preferred fellowship location: the University of Global Health Equity, Kenyatta University, or ‘no preference’ if you are willing to participate at either location. 

Required Qualifications 

1. University degree holders in Medicine, Rehabilitation, Nursing, Global Health, Public Health, Health Informatics, Engineering (Biomedical, Electrical, Mechanical, etc..), Biotechnology, Internet of Things (e.g. Embedded Computing Systems), or Business.
2. Demonstrated interest in health technology innovation via research, entrepreneurship, granted patents, coursework, or other means.
3. Experience working with interdisciplinary teams. 
4. Demonstrated problem-solving skills. 
5. Strong communication skills.
6. English proficiency is required (See English language proficiency criteria below). 

Apply now and become part of a community of innovators dedicated to transforming healthcare in East Africa and beyond. We believe in your potential and look forward to seeing the difference you’ll make.  

Application 

Before starting the application, be sure to have all the following information ready:   

1. CV 

Please provide us with a current CV (not more than 3 pages in length) in PDF. 

The CV should include personal and professional activities/accomplishments that illustrate your leadership, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and communication skills; community engagement; awards and achievements; intellectual property filings; key academic publications, conference posters, and presentations; projects with substantial business impact, and/or leadership roles that might not be self-evident from the title and description of the various roles you’ve held. 

2. English language proficiency 

If you are not a native English speaker or did not study at an institution where the primary language of instruction is English, please submit a copy of one of the following: 

• TOEFL iBT score 
• IELTS score 
• Diploma of an attended degree program in an English-speaking country 
• Other evidence acceptable to the reviewers 
• Any other Proof of English Proficiency. 

3. Academic Transcripts and Diplomas 

Please submit a copy of your degree and transcript for your highest education level achieved. Please note that you must have a bachelor’ degree or above to be considered for the fellowship.  

4. Passport or national ID 

Copies of valid passports at least six months before expiration at the time of application. Rwandan or Kenyan nationals can submit a copy of their national ID. If you don’t have a passport now, you will be required to apply for one prior to joining the program if accepted. 

5. Provide the email and phone number of your last degree’s records office.  

6. Names and contact information of three references 

Recommendation letters are not needed at this stage 

7. Video essay 

Please use your computer or phone camera to record a 2-minute video clip (video over 2 minutes will not be accepted) answering:  
“Tell us about some of the challenges and hurdles you have faced on your path to your current place in life. How have these experiences contributed to making you the person you are today?” 

8. Written essay 1 

In a MS Word or PDF document, please answer the following prompts in no more than 500 words:  

a. Tell us about your prior experience with health innovation and health equity 
b. How does the East Africa Biodesign fellowship fit into your future plans? 
C. How do you hope to use your training after the fellowship? 

9. Written essay 2 

In a MS Word or PDF document, please answer the prompts below in no more than 300 words:  

a. Describe a time when a partnership was necessary to achieve your desired outcome
b. What was your role in creating or maintaining the partnership ? 
c. What have you learned from that experience? 

You can download the document checklist here 

Click Here To Apply

EAB is an equal-opportunity trainer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, skin color, origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, or physical disability.  

If you have any questions or need clarifications, please visit our website or contact us via email at: EAB@ughe.org or stanfordbiodesignproject@ku.ac.ke