A Kenyan Health Advocate Among Emerging Global Founders

Kenyan health advocate and digital health entrepreneur Ogweno Stephen was among a select group of founders whose ventures were chosen to participate at Web Summit Qatar, one of the world’s most influential gatherings of technology innovators, investors, and policy leaders. His participation came after being selected among the top 15 entrepreneurs through the Open Startup (OST) program, a non profit initiative that supports early stage startups across Africa and the Middle East.

Open Startup works to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem through accelerator and investment readiness programs. Through initiatives such as the five month OST accelerator and the twelve month GROW program, founders receive mentorship, global exposure, and connections to investors. The program also provides early stage investment opportunities including SAFE tickets of up to twenty thousand dollars. Participants contribute a symbolic one percent equity to sustain the initiative and support future entrepreneurs.

Stephen participated in the program as the Co founder and CEO of Lifesten Health, a digital health venture focused on integrating physical, mental, and nutritional health data to support prevention and early intervention. The OST program offered a year of training, mentorship, and preparation before the founders showcased their work at Web Summit Qatar.

Introducing Lifesten Health to the Global Innovation Ecosystem

At Web Summit Qatar, Stephen and the Lifesten Health team presented their work to an international audience of investors, policymakers, and fellow entrepreneurs. The summit provided an opportunity to explain how digital health platforms developed in Africa can address global health challenges such as rising non communicable diseases, gaps in preventive care, and limited access to reliable health information.

Lifesten Health focuses on combining health data, behavioral insights, and digital tools to help individuals better understand and manage their health. The platform integrates metrics related to physical health, mental wellbeing, nutrition, and lifestyle habits to support long term prevention.

Stephen’s work in digital health builds on a broader mission that has defined his career. As the Founder and CEO of Stowelink Foundation, he has led several initiatives addressing non communicable diseases through technology, advocacy, and public health communication. Innovations connected to this work include platforms such as NCDs 365, My Heart Ke, and mCURE, which support patients living with chronic conditions.

Building Bridges Between Africa and the Middle East

Web Summit Qatar served as an important gateway for startups seeking to expand into the Middle East and connect with global technology ecosystems. For Stephen, the summit represented more than a pitch stage. It was an opportunity to explore collaborations, learn from other innovators, and introduce African health technology solutions to new markets.

The event brought together thousands of founders, investors, researchers, and technology leaders. Conversations ranged from artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to health technology and the future of global innovation.

For Stephen, the experience reinforced the importance of cross regional collaboration. The health challenges facing many countries in Africa and the Middle East are often similar. Digital tools, when built responsibly and locally informed, can help bridge gaps in healthcare systems and empower communities with better access to information and services.

Expanding the Vision for Health Innovation

Participating in Web Summit Qatar marked another milestone in Stephen’s journey as a public health innovator. His work continues to focus on developing scalable solutions that combine technology, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

Through platforms like Lifesten Health, he hopes to contribute to a future where digital innovation supports stronger health systems and empowers individuals to take control of their wellbeing.

For African entrepreneurs and health advocates, the message is clear. Solutions built locally can have global relevance, and platforms such as Web Summit offer opportunities to share those ideas with the world.