Engineering a Future of Inclusive Healthcare with Ibukun Elebute
For Ibukun Elebute, problem-solving isn’t just a passion—it’s a blueprint for building a more inclusive future. As an African-Canadian founder with roots in Nigeria, Ibukun’s journey in biotech and healthcare innovation is deeply personal. She thrives at the intersection of science, technology, and impact, Ibukun is the visionary behind CELLECT, a biotech company redefining reproductive health diagnostics by making HPV and cervical cancer screening in women non-invasive, accessible and culturally inclusive. Her story is one of ingenuity, resilience, and the power of representation—proving that when diverse perspectives are brought into the innovation space, the solutions become stronger, smarter, and more impactful.
A Journey Fueled by Nigerian Ingenuity and Purpose
For Ibukun Elebute, being African is more than a cultural identifier—it’s the lens through which she approaches innovation, leadership, and problem-solving. Raised in Nigeria, she saw up close how financial, systemic, and cultural barriers could limit fundamental services like education and healthcare which fueled her determination to create solutions that are not only effective but also accessible, scalable, and rooted in cultural awareness.
She recognized that in her community women’s reproductive health procedures were wrapped in stigma, often discouraged by cultural beliefs, a reality that shaped how CELLECT was designed. Knowing community trust is vital for adoption, she brought local leaders and clinicians into early discussions, ensuring CELLECT addressed real needs.
Beyond CELLECT, Ibukun founded Africa’s largest science fair for underserved communities, empowering girls to see themselves as leaders and innovators. “Innovation must serve the people it’s designed for,” she says, crediting her Nigerian roots for teaching her resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of collective change.
A Moment That Changed Everything
Over the last 3 years, Ibukun has had some of her most defining moments that shaped her entrepreneurial and health-tech journey.
After nearly a decade of serving successful stints with several health-tech companies, she knew she wanted to build something that truly mattered – lasting change in women’s healthcare. And despite the failures, rejections, and moments of doubt she persevered on her journey where she stumbled upon her co-founder CT Murphy who was already developing the technology behind CELLECT’s innovation.
Standing at a pivotal juncture, Ibukun took a leap of faith, let go of her original idea, and joined forces with CT – one of the best decisions she made that changed her trajectory – recognizing the potential of what they could achieve together.
Lighting the Way for Future Innovators
One of Ibukun’s proudest achievements is founding Africa’s largest science fair for underserved communities, an initiative that has helped countless young students—especially girls—realize that they, too, can be scientists, innovators, and leaders in STEM. By raising funds, securing clinical partnerships, and triumphing in pitch competitions, Ibukun has also broken barriers in femtech proving African-led startups belong on the global stage. She recalls a personal moment when a young Niergian girl reached out after and said, “I never thought I could be a scientist because I never saw anyone who looked like me doing it. But now I know I can,” emphazing representation matters, access matters.
Advice for Future Black Trailblazers
For Ibukun, success starts by embracing your present circumstances—even if they’re not perfect. “Don’t wait until you have the ideal conditions; take that first step with what you have,” she advises. Equally important is recognizing that your background and experiences are your greatest strengths. They allow you to see challenges others might overlook, positioning you to develop one-of-a-kind solutions. “Tech and entrepreneurship are about resilience,” she adds. “The world is waiting for your ideas—don’t wait for permission to make them happen.
Shaping the African-Canadian Narrative: Build What is Missing
Ibukun recognizes that you can’t wait for the perfect opportunity in entrepreneurship – YOU HAVE TO CREATE IT. Through her own journey she has overcome challenges around access to resources and lack of representation but she reminds us that regardless of the existing circumstances, if you are resilient enough, you can break through.
As she recalled the time when she built the STEMite Zone Fair all by herself – she emphasized that there remains a lot to be done in the Africa-Canada ecosystem, but each of us needs to be shifting that narrative through our breakthroughs against the odds.
Final Thoughts: Innovation for All
As we celebrate Black Futures Month, Ibukun’s work with CELLECT reminds us that true innovation is inclusive, bold, and community-driven. If you’d like to learn more about Ibukun’s vision or explore collaborations, connect with Afrifursa—and be part of a movement that champions equitable healthcare solutions, one community at a time.
