The Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 is open for African early-stage tech startups ready to build and scale with advanced connectivity and processing technologies. This equity-free mentorship programme helps founders access expert coaching, engineering guidance, IP support, and visibility across the innovation ecosystem.
Africa’s deep-tech ecosystem — especially in areas like AI, IoT (Internet of Things), extended reality (XR), and next-generation compute — is growing fast. However, many startups struggle to access specialised engineering support, business mentoring, and intellectual property protection resources that can help them move from prototype to market traction. Qualcomm’s programme is designed to reduce these gaps by bringing global expertise directly to African innovators.
What the Program Offers (Benefits)
✔ 1:1 Mentorship from Qualcomm Experts
Selected startups work individually with Qualcomm engineers and business strategists to improve product development and clarity of value proposition.
✔ Masterclasses and Technical Training
Participants gain practical sessions on:
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
IoT and embedded systems
Extended reality (XR)
Advanced compute
Intellectual property (IP) strategy and patent considerations
Product management and pitching to investors
✔ Stipend & IP Filing Support
Many participants are eligible for a USD $5,000 stipend after completing programme requirements.
Reimbursement support of up to USD $5,000 for utility patent filings in Africa, the U.S., or via PCT pathways.
Patent filing consultations with experienced IP law firms are available.
✔ Networking & Visibility
You can showcase your venture at a virtual finale event where you connect with investors, ecosystem partners, and potential collaborators. A Social Impact Fund award is given to standout ventures during the finale.
Eligibility (Who Should Apply)
To participate, your startup must:
Be a registered company operating in Africa.
Be in the early stage (pre-seed to seed, ideally with a minimum viable product).
Build solutions that leverage advanced technologies or hardware-enabled systems, such as connectivity, AI, IoT, embedded compute, or similar fields.
There is no purchase or payment required to enter. Participation is equity-free Qualcomm does not take ownership in return for support.
Application Deadline & Timeline
📅 Deadline:15 February 2026
After applications close, Qualcomm reviews submissions, shortlists startups, and begins the mentorship phase, culminating in a virtual finale event at the end of the program year.
Read the full eligibility and guidelines on the site and in the official rules document.
Prepare your submission: Include clear descriptions of your startup’s mission, product, team, technology stack, traction (if any), and your roadmap for growth.
Submit online before the deadline: Complete all required fields and uploads.
Check your email: Shortlisted teams are notified for next phases.
Tips for a Strong Submission
💡 Clarify your problem and solution: Clearly explain what challenge your technology addresses and how your product improves on existing alternatives.
💡 Highlight tech innovation: Investors and mentors look for evidence of innovation and technical differentiation.
💡 Show early results: Metrics or user feedback can strengthen your case even if you’re pre-revenue.
💡 Connect business and tech: Describe how your team will achieve product–market fit and scale.
