At Lifesten Health, we’re committed to transforming how individuals across Africa access and manage preventive healthcare. This March, our Co-Founder and CEO Ogweno Stephen represented Lifesten Health at the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF) in Accra, Ghana, joining 20 exceptional founders from across the Commonwealth for a two-week intensive program designed to strengthen purpose-driven startups.
Week 1: Leading with Values and Vision
The first week of the CSF bootcamp didn’t begin with business metrics or pitch decks—it began with people and purpose. Entrepreneurs explored core questions like:
- Why did we start our ventures?
- What legacies do we want to leave behind?
- How can we stay motivated through challenges?
These sessions helped founders reflect deeply on their leadership identity, intrinsic motivation, and long-term vision.
For us at Lifesten Health, this was especially meaningful. As a health-tech company working to prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) through digital screening and gamified wellness, our mission goes far beyond technology—it’s about saving lives through early detection and behavior change.
This week reminded us that how we lead is shaped by why we lead—and for Lifesten, the “why” has always been building healthier, longer-living communities.
Week 2: Mastering the Startup Fundamentals
The second week was all about strategy and execution. Participants received hands-on training in:
- Fundraising and investor pitching: Crafting compelling, scalable impact stories.
- Business model validation: Refining revenue streams and cost structures for sustainability.
- Market analysis and product-market fit: Understanding customer segments and real user needs.
- Product development: Building based on feedback and data, not assumptions.
These sessions were filled with case studies, peer reviews, and mentorship from world-class trainers. Collaborating with other entrepreneurs—from ed-tech to social impact ventures—reinforced a key insight that drives Lifesten’s growth philosophy: no one solves global health challenges alone.
Community, Culture, and Collaboration
Beyond the bootcamp sessions, the CSF program fostered a vibrant community of innovators and changemakers. From exploring Ghanaian culture and cuisine to evening discussions at the Ambassador’s residence, these shared experiences created meaningful partnerships that continue to extend Lifesten’s global network.
Our team connected with innovators from Imperial College London, Rwanda, and other Commonwealth regions, sparking future collaborations that will help us scale our AI-driven health solutions and strengthen community health programs across Africa.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Preventive Health with Purpose
Returning from Accra, our leadership team brought home more than strategies—we brought renewed clarity of purpose, actionable growth tools, and global connections that will shape Lifesten Health’s next chapter.
In the months ahead, we aim to:
- Accelerate our AI-powered transdermal health screenings to reach new communities.
- Expand NCD prevention programs through partnerships with civil society and governments.
- Scale access to the Lifesten Health app, empowering millions to track, test, and improve their health.
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship has strengthened our foundation as we continue to bridge the gap between technology, preventive health, and human connection.
About Lifesten Health
Lifesten Health is an African health-tech company using AI, gamification, and behavioral science to make preventive care simple, engaging, and accessible. Our mobile app empowers users to screen for 13 key health indicators, join wellness challenges, and earn rewards for healthy habits.
We’ve already worked with partners like the Rwandan Ministry of Health to screen over 1.6 million people, and we’re just getting started.
At Lifesten Health, we believe that preventive care should be affordable, digital, and personalized for everyone—because healthier lives start with earlier action.
Lifesten Health 