Thalia Psychotherapy, a Kenyan startup, has won the top prize in the Health Tech category, at the 2024 Viva Technology conference in Paris, France.
VivaTech is a global convention that brings together the brightest minds to discuss future technologies, with artificial intelligence being a hot topic this year.
The French Minister, Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, speaking during the award ceremony said that innovative solutions from Africa are rapidly expanding to address widespread issues like mental health.
“Thalia Psychotherapy shows that Africa can find great solutions, tackling the big challenge of mental health with energy and new ideas,”
Following the minister's commendation, the French Ambassador expressed his support on Twitter, highlighting the significance of Thalia Psychotherapy's achievement.
She tweeted, “Thalia Psychotherapy's success is a clear sign of the potential African innovators have to make a mark on the world stage. Proud to support and celebrate this pioneering spirit at VivaTech.” This international recognition underscores the vital role of global support in tackling health challenges worldwide.
VivaTech 2024, showcased how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies could revolutionise lives.
Featuring speeches from tech leaders like Elon Musk, the event provided insights into the future of technology.
During the event, Antony Okungu, co-founder and Head of Strategy and Growth at Thalia Psychotherapy, shared the startup's ambitious plans for expansion across Africa.
“This recognition at VivaTech boosts our mission to spread our preventative mental health services throughout Africa,” he said, emphasizing the goal of increasing access to mental health solutions across the continent.
Mercy Mwende, a co-founder and COO spoke about the award's importance said that the invention will help more hospitals and partners feel confident about joining mental health programs.
“Winning this award at such a respected international event proves our work is important and effective, even though talking about mental health is still difficult in many places,” she explained.
