Qualcomm Make Africa Selects 10 Startups for 2026

The equity-free mentorship programme showcases Africa’s growing deep-tech capabilities. Selected startups focus on Edge AI, IoT, and connectivity solutions. They target agriculture, smart cities, assistive technology, and sustainable transport sectors.

Qualcomm Incorporated chose these early-stage companies from its largest applicant pool yet. Each startup applies advanced technology to solve critical regional challenges across multiple industries.

Diverse Portfolio Targets Real-World Problems

Zambia’s QualiKeeper Investments Ltd develops affordable AIoT livestock monitoring systems for rural areas with limited connectivity. The solution helps farmers address key operational challenges in remote locations.

Namibia’s Amperra Charging Company provides AI-driven electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Nigeria’s Anatsor Ltd offers digital poultry farm management platforms. D-Olivette Labs from Nigeria delivers data-driven agricultural insights for crop optimisation.

Zimbabwe’s Mindora Corporation creates assistive Braille technology for visually impaired users. Congo’s MVUTU reduces post-harvest losses through solar-powered IoT storage solutions. Tanzania’s SafeSip ensures safe water access in underserved communities.

Ghana’s Sesi Technologies uses AI for cocoa quality assessment. Uganda’s TWave provides solar-powered automated fish feeding systems. Kenya’s Zerobionic develops assistive robotics for mobility challenges.

Comprehensive Support Package Drives Success

Participants receive free Arduino edge-AI development boards including UNO Q and VENTUNO Q models. They access personalised mentorship, business coaching, and technical engineering support throughout the programme.

All startups qualify for £4,000 completion stipends. One winner receives additional funding through Qualcomm for Good’s Social Impact Fund at the programme finale.

Intellectual property training comes through L2Pro Africa partnerships. Adams & Adams provides patent consultation services. Companies filing patents can claim up to £4,000 in legal fees.

The African Telecommunications Union continues its fourth-year partnership, supporting technology development for African market needs.

Wassim Chourbaji, Qualcomm’s President for Middle East and Africa, praised the cohort’s quality. Rising application numbers reflect improving solution sophistication. Edge AI and 5G technologies continue expanding African innovation boundaries.

This programme signals strong investment returns potential. African deep-tech companies scale rapidly with proper IP protection and strategic funding. Early-stage investment opportunities offer significant exposure to continent-wide AI and IoT growth trajectories.

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