Welcome to InnovateHER 2026, a transformative initiative hosted by the North-West University Faculty of Health Sciences.

InnovateHER is a national youth innovation and entrepreneurship programme that empowers young women to turn ideas into real-world solutions. In 2026, we focus on inclusion and accommodation. We invite participants to identify barriers that prevent people from fully participating in everyday life and to design solutions that make a meaningful difference.

What is the challenge?

Every day, people face barriers that limit their ability to learn, access healthcare, use technology, or participate in their communities.

These barriers may relate to:

• Visible or invisible disabilities
• Barriers to learning and education
• Limited access to digital tools and connectivity
• Challenges faced by ageing populations
• Social and economic constraints

Participants are challenged to identify a real problem and design a solution that helps remove that barrier.

How does the programme work?

innovateHER 2026 is a guided, twelve-week innovation journey.

Each week follows a simple structure:

Build – Develop the solution by understanding the problem, exploring ideas, designing concepts, and improving through feedback.

Grow – Develop personal skills such as confidence, creativity, teamwork, communication, and resilience.

Each week, participants will:

• Watch short video lessons
• Work through a structured participant guide
• Collaborate with a teammate
• Engage with a mentor
• Submit weekly progress

From idea to real-world solution

Participants will use the KasiKanvas to structure their ideas.

The KasiKanvas helps participants:

• Understand who the solution is for
• Clarify the problem being solved
• Design how the solution works
• Explain the value of the idea
• Think about how it can become a real-world solution

No prior business experience is required.

Holiday Innovation Accelerator

During the June–July school holiday, participants will take part in a dedicated Innovation Accelerator Week.

This includes structured online coaching sessions to:

• Strengthen ideas
• Receive mentor feedback
• Develop solutions further
• Prepare for final submission

Who can apply?

innovateHER is open to young women aged 15–25 who are passionate about solving real-world problems and making a difference in their communities.

Participants may apply:

• As individuals, or
• In teams of up to two people (with at least one member identifying as female)

Ready to get started?

Apply now and start building solutions that include everyone.

innovateHER Start-up Toolbox