Launching the Incubator–Accelerator Model for Leadership Development

By Jennifer Tapia Boada‍

As part of WLEH’s Leadership Development portfolio, 2026 marks the launch of a comprehensive Incubator–Accelerator model, an ambitious and integrated approach designed to strengthen women’s leadership and innovation in eye health.

This model brings together AMPLIF-EYE (Incubator track), the Innovation Hub, and Fellowships (Accelerator track) into a cohesive ecosystem that supports leadership development, idea generation, and the advancement of high-potential initiatives.

This body of work composed of three different streams is currently being led and coordinated by Jennifer Tapia Boada, who oversees the design and operationalization of the model across its different components.

Throughout the planning phase, substantial progress was made to ensure readiness for implementation. Terms of Reference were refined for both AMPLIF-EYE and the Accelerator track (Innovations and Fellowships), alongside the development of a comprehensive consultancy TOR to support the full ecosystem.

As such, the recruitment process for a mentorship and advisory consultant, launched in May, is currently underway, with the selected candidate expected to come on board by around mid-July to provide cross-cutting technical support.

This will include delivering Training of Trainers for AMPLIF-EYE participants and supporting the selection processes for both innovations and fellowships.

In parallel, preparations for the launch of the Innovation Hub have been initiated and are already underway, including the development of selection criteria and the creation of a dedicated webpage to operationalize the application process.

In addition, assessment of candidates for the consultancy role is ongoing. Next steps are focused on finalizing criteria for Fellowships and AMPLIF-EYE, developing supporting materials, and launching the corresponding and upcoming calls for applications.

Learn more about the Innovation hub here.