Qualcomm Taps African Startups for Elite Deep-Tech Cohort
Qualcomm selects 10 African startups for its 2026 Make in Africa mentorship program, fueling a deep-tech innovation surge on the continent.
Nadia Okonkwo
Tech & Business Reporter
Opening: Qualcomm, a U.S. chipmaker, has selected 10 early-stage startups from over 1,200 applications spanning 45 countries for its 2026 Make in Africa mentorship program.
Background and Context: Qualcomm's move underscores the growing interest in building Intellectual Property (IP) and scaling deep-technology innovation on the continent. Africa has seen a surge in startup activity, with 45% of African startups founded in the past five years. However, the continent still lags behind in terms of IP creation and utilization.
Key Developments: The selected startups will participate in a six-month mentorship program, receiving guidance from industry experts and access to Qualcomm's resources. The program aims to help startups develop and commercialize their deep-tech innovations. The selected startups are from countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya.
Impact on Africa: The program has the potential to drive economic growth and job creation on the continent. It also highlights the importance of IP creation and utilization in Africa's development. The selected startups will be able to leverage Qualcomm's resources to scale their innovations and reach a wider audience.
Analysis: The move by Qualcomm demonstrates the growing recognition of Africa's potential as a hub for deep-tech innovation. The program's focus on IP creation and commercialization is a crucial step in unlocking Africa's innovation potential. The selected startups will be able to tap into Qualcomm's expertise and resources to drive their innovations forward.
What Happens Next: The selected startups will begin the six-month mentorship program, receiving guidance from industry experts and access to Qualcomm's resources. The program will help the startups develop and commercialize their deep-tech innovations, positioning them for success in the African market.
People Also Ask:
- Q: What is the Make in Africa mentorship program?
A: The Make in Africa mentorship program is a six-month initiative by Qualcomm to support African startups in developing and commercializing their deep-tech innovations.
- Q: Which countries are represented among the selected startups?
A: The selected startups are from countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya.
- Q: What are the potential benefits of the program for Africa?
A: The program has the potential to drive economic growth and job creation on the continent, highlighting the importance of IP creation and utilization in Africa's development.
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This article was researched and compiled by the PulseAfrica editorial team using information from international news sources including Reuters, BBC Africa, Al Jazeera, AFP, and local African media outlets. PulseAfrica is committed to accurate, balanced and independent journalism covering all 54 African nations in three languages.
