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Qualcomm Incorporated has selected 10 early-stage startups for its 2026 Make in Africa mentorship programme, signalling continued commitment to deepening Africa’s artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.
The company disclosed that the selected startups emerged from a highly competitive pool of over 1,200 applications submitted across more than 45 African countries. This reflects the growing interest among African innovators in advanced technologies such as edge AI, embedded systems, and smart connectivity solutions.
Focus on deep-tech innovation
Now in its fourth edition, the Make in Africa programme forms part of Qualcomm’s broader Africa Innovation Platform. The initiative is designed to support early-stage startups in transitioning from prototype development to scalable commercial solutions.
The programme provides a blend of technical mentorship, engineering support, and business advisory services. Selected startups also gain access to development tools, including Arduino-based AI platforms, which enable rapid prototyping and deployment of intelligent systems.
Qualcomm noted that the increasing quality of applications underscores the rapid evolution of Africa’s deep-tech ecosystem, particularly in sectors where digital innovation is addressing structural and infrastructure challenges.
Startups driving sectoral impact
The 2026 cohort features startups building solutions across agriculture, energy, mobility, water, and education.
Among them is Amperra Charging Company (Namibia), which is developing an AI-powered electric vehicle charging platform aimed at improving energy efficiency and accessibility. Nigeria’s Anatsor Ltd is working on a digital poultry management system designed to enhance farm productivity.
Also selected is D-Olivette Labs (Nigeria), which focuses on bio-intelligence systems to optimise agricultural processes, while Mindora Corporation (Zimbabwe) is building assistive technology using Braille-based interfaces.
MVUTU (Republic of the Congo) is developing a solar-powered IoT cold storage solution targeted at reducing post-harvest losses—one of the major challenges in Africa’s agricultural value chain.
Other startups include QualiKeeper Investments (Zambia), which is deploying AI tools for livestock monitoring; SafeSip (Tanzania), focused on smart water quality monitoring; and Sesi Technologies (Ghana), which applies AI to cocoa quality assessment and supply chain transparency.
TWave Ltd (Uganda) is working on solar-powered automated aquaculture systems, while Zerobionic (Kenya) is designing assistive robotics solutions for persons with disabilities.
Strengthening Africa’s innovation ecosystem
According to Wassim Chourbaji, President for the Middle East and Africa at Qualcomm, the quality of this year’s cohort highlights the strength and growing sophistication of Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
He noted that African startups are increasingly leveraging emerging technologies to develop scalable solutions with tangible social and economic impact.
Qualcomm added that its focus remains on supporting startups throughout the innovation lifecycle—from early-stage design to commercialisation—particularly in sectors with high development impact.
Programme benefits and incentives
Participants in the programme will receive edge AI-capable Arduino development kits, alongside technical mentorship and engineering consultations. They will also benefit from intellectual property (IP) training and patent support facilitated by partners such as Adams & Adams and L2Pro Africa.
Fabio Violante, Vice President and General Manager at Arduino, stated that the tools provided are aimed at accelerating product development and enabling startups to deploy AI-powered solutions in real-world environments, including farms, healthcare facilities, and industrial settings.
At the end of the programme, one startup will receive a Social Impact Fund grant under Qualcomm for Good. All participating startups will also be eligible for a $5,000 stipend upon successful completion.
In addition, Qualcomm will reimburse up to $5,000 in patent filing costs for startups that successfully register intellectual property during the programme.
Strategic partnerships and broader implications
The African Telecommunications Union, a returning partner for the fourth consecutive year, said the initiative aligns with its mandate to strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem.
Secretary-General John Omo noted that the programme demonstrates a shared commitment to applying advanced telecommunications and computing technologies to address real-world challenges across the continent.
The development comes amid increasing competition among global technology firms seeking to establish a foothold in Africa’s rapidly expanding innovation landscape. As AI, IoT, and edge computing gain traction, initiatives like Make in Africa are expected to play a critical role in unlocking local innovation capacity and driving inclusive economic growth.
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