Chekkit, a Nigerian real-time authentication startup has been selected among 12 others across the globe to participate in the eighth edition of the Merck Accelerator.
Merck Accelerator a brainchild of Merck Group a healthcare firm based in Germany provides the selected startups with three-month access to assistance and coaching, all these within the Merck network.
Selected startups will have access to US$55,000 and joining the program’s extension by Merck China Innovation Hub in Shanghai.
More than 500 applications were received by the accelerator from 65 countries for the eighth edition.
Chekkit the only African startup that made the 12 lists is a startup that employs the use of technology that, involves the use of mobile authentication scheme, to verify the ownership of a product.
The application leverages on blockchain and artificial intelligence, to solve counterfeiting issues, as well as insufficient supply chain and pilfering.
Also read, Counterfeiting Challenges: How Chekkit Is Set Up For The Campaign
Munya Chivasa, head of the Merck Accelerator, said “Working with startups has brought numerous opportunities to different areas of Merck and we are constantly adapting and evolving these programs to make them even more fruitful for both sides,”.
Other inducted startups from around the world include;
- UK – Cambridge Cancer Genomics, Cellular Agric Ltd
- Denmark – Atlant 3D Nanosystems
- Austria – Breathe ilo
- Taiwan – Instant NanoBiosensors
- US – Lab Farm Foods, ProbiusDx, Tymora Analytical
- France – Qfluidics
- Switzerland – Seed Bioscences, Xsensio
In 2018, Chekkit was among the ten Nigerian startups selected for the Merck Lagos Satelite Program.
In 2019, the health tech startup was also selected by the program in partnership with Make-IT Africa and Hyber held in Kenya.
Featured Image: opportunitydesk.org
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