FemNest 2.0
August 5, 2026 2026-08-11 14:25FemNest 2.0
FemNest Lab Incubator Programme
Cohort 2: Empowering Innovators Building Solutions for Female and Family Health
FemNest Lab is a venture-building programme designed to support early-stage women innovators who are developing solutions to real female and family health challenges in Nigeria.
Through structured business learning, expert mentorship, practical venture-building support and milestone-based funding, FemNest helps innovators validate their ideas, strengthen their business models, leverage technology effectively and build sustainable ventures that can grow and create lasting impact.
For women, by women.
What is FemNest Lab?
A 5-week venture-building incubator for women innovators.
We are empowering women innovators to create bold solutions to the challenges affecting women, children and families.
FemNest supports innovators working across female and family health, including women’s health, fertility, maternal health, parenting, caregiving, safety, financial wellbeing and other challenges affecting families.
Through practical business workshops, expert-led masterclasses and technology-enabled learning–using AI & No-Code tools, participants would learn how to:
- Validate the Problem – Understand customers, test assumptions and establish whether the problem is real and worth solving.
- Build a Sustainable Business – Develop stronger business models, revenue strategies and financial foundations.
- Leverage Technology for Growth – Learn how AI, no-code and other technologies can improve operations, reach, service delivery and scale.
- Lead, Govern and Build Trust – Develop the leadership, governance and compliance foundations required to build a credible venture.
- Go to Market and Prepare to Grow – Develop go-to-market strategies, partnerships and investment readiness.
FemNest helps women build businesses that last. Participants gain the knowledge, tools, guidance and networks to turn validated problems into stronger, sustainable ventures — while learning how to leverage technology to improve their businesses, reach more people and scale.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
Over five weeks, you'll participate in:
Live Virtual Learning Sessions
Interactive sessions led by industry experts and innovators.
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Technology for Business Growth
Learn how to leverage AI, no-code tools and other technologies to improve your business, strengthen operations, reach customers and create opportunities for scale.
Venture Development
Develop your business model, customer discovery process, validation strategy and go-to-market plan.
Expert Mentorship
Receive guidance from healthcare professionals, product leaders, investors and startup operators.
Demo Day
Pitch your venture to investors, ecosystem partners and potential collaborators during the FemNest Showcase in Lagos.
THEMATIC AREAS
We're looking for innovative solutions that improve the lives of women and families across Africa.
Including but not limited to:
Women's Health & Wellbeing
- Menstrual Health
- Fertility & Reproductive Health
- Pregnancy & Maternal Health
- Menopause
- Breast Health
- Hormonal Health
- Mental Health
- Preventive & Sexual Wellness
Parenting, Caregiving & Family Life
- Parenting Solutions
- Child & Adolescent Development
- Elder Care
- Caregiver Support
- Family Wellness
- Family Organization & Productivity
Financial & Household Innovation
- Family Budgeting & Financial Wellbeing
- Household Management
- Family Planning & Decision Support
- Digital Tools for Everyday Family Life
Safety, Education & Community
- Family Safety & Security
- Education & Learning
- Community Support Platforms
- Family Communication & Connection
AI & Digital Innovation
- AI-Powered Solutions
- Digital Health
- Health Access Platforms
- Telehealth & Remote Care
- Diagnostics & Preventive Care
- Data & Decision Support Tools
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Women with a healthcare challenge they're passionate about solving.
We’re looking for women who have identified a challenge they care deeply about and are ready to explore and build a solution around it. This may be a problem they have personally experienced, observed through their work or community, or come to understand through research and engagement with others.
You can apply if you’re:
At the idea stage
Validating an existing concept
Building your first prototype
Exploring how AI can accelerate your solution
You do not need to know how to code.
What matters most is your commitment to solving a meaningful problem.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
By the end of the programme, you'll have:
- A validated problem statement
- Customer research insights
- A stronger, validated and structured venture
- Technology-enabled business skills
- A stronger business model
- Expert mentor feedback
- Investor-ready pitch materials
- Access to the FemNest alumni network
- Opportunities for partnerships
Top ventures will also be eligible for milestone-based funding.
MEET OUR FIRST COHORT
When women are given the right support, they build solutions that matter.
Our first innovators developed innovations addressing critical healthcare challenges including:
- AI-powered menopause support
- Breast cancer prevention technologies
- Adolescent reproductive health solutions
- Women's wellness platforms
- Family health innovations
These innovators demonstrated the incredible potential of women-led healthcare innovation in Africa and laid the foundation for the next generation of innovators. Cohort 2.0 builds on those lessons with stronger mentorship, expanded AI capabilities, and deeper venture support.
WHY NOW?
There has never been a better time for women to build.
AI and no-code tools have made it faster and more affordable than ever to build technology solutions. At the same time, there’s growing demand for innovations that improve the lives of women and families across Africa.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Duration: 5 Weeks
- 4 Weeks of Virtual Learning
- Practical Assignments
- Office Hours
- Expert Mentorship
- Technology for Business Growth
- Final Demo Day & Showcase (Lagos)
Ready to build the future of women's innovation?
Whether you’re starting with an idea or already validating a solution, FemNest gives you the tools, mentors and community to build with confidence. Join a community of women building the future of healthcare in Africa.
