Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 | Applications Now Open
The Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 is now open for early-stage African tech startups ready to build and scale using advanced connectivity and processing technologies.
This equity-free mentorship programme offers founders access to expert coaching, engineering guidance, IP support, and visibility across the innovation ecosystem.
Africa’s deep-tech ecosystem — including AI, IoT, extended reality (XR), and next-generation compute — is growing rapidly.
However, many startups face challenges accessing specialized engineering support, business mentoring, and intellectual property resources needed to move from prototype to market traction. Qualcomm’s program addresses these gaps by bringing global expertise directly to African innovators.
Benefits
1:1 Mentorship from Qualcomm Experts
Selected startups work individually with Qualcomm engineers and business strategists to improve product development, refine strategy, and clarify their value proposition.
Masterclasses and Technical Training
Participants gain practical training sessions in:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning (ML)
- IoT and embedded systems
- Extended reality (XR)
- Advanced compute
- Intellectual property (IP) strategy and patents
- Product management and investor pitching
Stipend & IP Filing Support
- Eligible participants may receive a USD $5,000 stipend after completing programme requirements.
- Up to USD $5,000 reimbursement for utility patent filings in Africa, the U.S., or via PCT pathways.
- Access to patent filing consultations with experienced IP law firms.
Networking & Visibility
- Showcase your venture at a virtual finale event connecting with investors, ecosystem partners, and potential collaborators.
- Outstanding ventures may receive a Social Impact Fund award during the finale.
Also Apply: Apply For SMEDAN ₦50K Conditional Grant Scheme for Micro Enterprises 2025
EligibilityÂ
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 (MVP)
Build solutions leveraging advanced technologies or hardware-enabled systems, such as connectivity, AI, IoT, embedded compute, or related fields
Important: Participation is equity-free — Qualcomm does not take ownership in return for support, and there is no purchase or payment required to enter.
Application Deadline & Timeline: Deadline: 15 February 2026
After the application window closes, Qualcomm will:
- Review submissions
- Shortlist startups
- Begin the mentorship phase, culminating in a virtual finale event at the end of the program year
Also Apply:Â Call for Applications: HP She Code Africa Scholarship 2026
How to Apply
- Visit the official Qualcomm Make in Africa page via the Africa Innovation portal
- Review eligibility criteria and program guidelines
- Prepare your submission, including:
- Startup mission and vision
- Product details and technology stack
- Team information
- Traction metrics (if any)
- Roadmap for growth
- Submit your application online before the deadline, completing all required fields
- Check your email for notifications if shortlisted
Also Apply:Â Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant 2025 | Link to Apply
Tips for a Strong Submission
- Clarify your problem and solution: Explain the challenge your technology addresses and how your product improves on existing alternatives
- Highlight technical innovation: Show evidence of innovation and differentiation
- Show early results: Metrics or user feedback strengthen your application, even pre-revenue
- Connect business and technology: Describe how your team plans to achieve product–market fit and scale
