Deadline: February 15, 2026
The Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 is an equity-free mentorship and incubation initiative designed to empower early-stage African startups developing cutting-edge technologies. Organized by Qualcomm, this program aims to nurture innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Extended Reality (XR), 5G, edge computing, and other advanced technology domains across Africa.
This program offers selected startups access to expert mentorship, technical guidance, and business development support — all at no cost. Through this initiative, Qualcomm continues its commitment to strengthening Africa’s innovation ecosystem and enabling homegrown solutions with global impact.
Application Deadline
February 15, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Be based in Africa.
- Be in the early stages (pre-seed to seed).
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or demonstrable prototype.
- Build solutions leveraging advanced connectivity or processing technologies such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Extended Reality (XR)
- 5G Connectivity
- Edge Compute and Embedded Systems
- Hardware and semiconductor-based solutions
Program Benefits
Mentorship & Technical Support
Selected startups will receive:
- One-on-one mentorship with Qualcomm subject-matter experts.
- Engineering consultations to enhance product design and development.
- Business coaching for strategic growth and scalability.
Training & Masterclasses
Participants will access specialized technical and business training, including:
- AI and IoT development
- XR and 5G technology training
- Intellectual Property (IP) law awareness
- Exclusive access to Qualcomm Academy learning resources
Stipends & Funding Opportunities
- A standout startup will receive a Social Impact Fund grant from Qualcomm Wireless Reach™.
- Other eligible participants may qualify for a USD $5,000 stipend upon completing program requirements.
Intellectual Property (IP) Support
Startups will also benefit from extensive IP guidance, including:
- Up to $5,000 reimbursement for filing a utility patent (in Africa, the U.S., or through the Patent Cooperation Treaty).
- Dedicated IP consultation sessions with Adams & Adams, a leading African IP law firm.
- Free access to L2Pro Africa, Qualcomm’s online IP education platform.
Networking & Visibility
- Participants will join an exclusive innovation network of African tech founders.
- The program culminates in a virtual finale event in December 2026, providing visibility and opportunities for investment and collaboration.
Program Timeline
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Program Duration: Mid-2026 to December 2026
- Finale Event: December 2026
Why You Should Apply
The Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 provides early-stage African startups a rare chance to access Qualcomm’s global expertise, technical infrastructure, and innovation ecosystem — without giving up equity. It’s the ideal platform for African founders ready to transform their ideas into globally scalable technology solutions.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can:
👉 Apply Here
Need help preparing your proposal?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
