Brief Description:
Applications are now open for the Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026, an equity-free initiative designed to support early-stage startups in Africa. This program identifies promising innovators applying AI, IoT, and advanced connectivity technologies to hardware and end-to-end solutions. Participating startups receive equity-free support, mentorship from Qualcomm Startups experts, access to Qualcomm Academy, and opportunities to protect intellectual property through patent filing incentives.
The program will select up to 10 startups for incubation, offering stipends, access to the Social Impact Fund Qualcomm, and participation in a virtual finale event showcasing their innovations. This startup mentorship program provides unparalleled exposure, training, and resources, making it a must-apply opportunity for African startups looking for mentorship, funding, and growth support.
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Program Benefits:
* Cohort Selection: Up to 10 early-stage startups Africa will be selected for the 2026 program.
* 1:1 Mentorship: Personalized guidance from Qualcomm Startups subject matter experts.
* Technology Platforms: Arduino Uno Q-based proposals are encouraged for practical application.
* Masterclasses: Training in AI and IoT training, Extended Reality (XR), Compute (AI-PC), 5G, and Intellectual Property Law through Qualcomm Academy.
* Stipends: Startups completing program requirements will receive a USD $5,000 stipend. One startup will receive the Social Impact Fund Qualcomm grant.
* Patent Filing Incentives: Up to USD $5,000 reimbursement for patent filing, consultations with Adams & Adams, and online IP education via L2Pro Africa.
* Visibility & Industry Connections: Showcase your startup at the virtual finale event, connecting with investors and potential partners, while benefiting from the African startup incubation network.
The Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program ensures startups gain expertise, resources, and funding while retaining full ownership. This equity-free support is ideal for innovators looking to scale quickly and access world-class mentorship from Qualcomm Startups.
Name of Organizer:
Qualcomm®
Requirements / Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program, your startup must:
1. Be a registered company operating in Africa.
2. Be in the early stage (pre-seed to seed), ideally with a minimum viable product.
3. Build solutions leveraging advanced technologies, including AI, IoT, connectivity, or hardware-enabled systems, making it eligible for AI and IoT training.
4. Agree to participate in this equity-free support program — Qualcomm Startups do not take ownership.
5. Demonstrate potential for growth and innovation in technology solutions, aligning with the objectives of African startup incubation programs and the Social Impact Fund Qualcomm.
Startups are encouraged to hurry and submit applications before the deadline to secure mentorship, stipends, and access to Qualcomm Academy resources.
Deadline:
Applications close on 15th February 2026. This is a final call for early-stage African startups seeking equity-free support, mentorship, and funding through the Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program. Late submissions will not be accepted, so act urgently.
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