The Qualcomm® Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 is now open for applications — an equity-free mentorship initiative designed to support early-stage African startups building innovative technology solutions using advanced connectivity, computing and embedded systems. This programme helps founders accelerate product development, strengthen technical capacity, and scale impact without giving up ownership of their companies.
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What the Program Is
The Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program — part of Qualcomm’s Africa Innovation Platform — identifies promising early-stage startups working on solutions involving technologies such as AI, IoT, 5G, Extended Reality (XR), and advanced compute. Participants receive structured business and technical mentorship, expert guidance on intellectual property (IP), and access to industry masterclasses to accelerate growth and product readiness.
Who Should Apply (Eligibility)
This programme is open to startups that meet the following criteria:
✔ Registered companies operating in Africa
✔ Early-stage ventures (pre-seed to seed) with a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype
✔ Solutions leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, connectivity, IoT, or embedded systems
✔ Teams committed to participating throughout the full mentorship cycle
Participation is entirely equity-free — Qualcomm does not take ownership in exchange for support.
Program Benefits & Support
Selected startups (up to ~10 for the 2026 cohort) will receive:
🤝 1:1 Mentorship
Regular personalised mentorship from Qualcomm engineers and industry experts to refine product development and business strategies.
Intellectual property strategy and patent considerations
Product management and pitching to investors
💰 Stipend & Financial Support
Eligible participants can receive a USD $5,000 stipend upon successful completion of programme requirements.
📄 Patent Filing Support
Reimbursement up to USD $5,000 for one utility patent application (filed in Africa, at the USPTO, or via the Patent Cooperation Treaty).
Consultation hours with experienced IP law partners.
Free access to IP education and filing resources.
📣 Visibility & Networking
Showcase your startup at a virtual finale/demo event to connect with investors, ecosystem partners, and potential collaborators.
Social Impact Fund awards available for standout ventures.
Program Timeline (2026 Edition)
📅 Applications Open: 17 December 2025
📅 Application Deadline:15 February 2026
📅 Shortlisting: March 2026
📅 Mentorship Program: April – November 2026
📅 Program Finale & Demo Day: December 2026
Startups are encouraged to apply early and begin preparing their MVP descriptions and technology roadmaps.
