UNDP Africa Pan-African MineTech Exploration Technology Pre-Incubation Programme 2027

Brief Description

The UNDP Africa Pan-African MineTech Exploration Technology Pre-Incubation Programme 2027 is an exciting opportunity designed to help young innovators turn real-world mining challenges into practical tech solutions. Led by the timbuktoo MineTech Hub alongside the United Nations Development Programme and ecosystem partners in Botswana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, this initiative invites students, researchers, engineers, and early-stage entrepreneurs to build the future of mineral exploration. You do not need a finished product or an established company to take part. If you have a clearly defined idea or a technology-based solution that answers the challenge briefs shared by participating UniPods, you are ready to apply.

Name of Host Institution

The timbuktoo MineTech Hub and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with ecosystem partners across Botswana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Requirements/Eligibility Criteria

Multidisciplinary teams consisting of 2 to 5 members.
All team members must be aged 18 to 35.
All participants must be based in the same eligible country (Botswana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, or Zimbabwe) to work together at a dedicated UniPod.
Teams must comprise students, recent graduates, researchers, engineers, technical professionals, innovators, or early-stage entrepreneurs.
Complementary skills across at least two relevant disciplines, such as Computer Science, Data Science, Mining Engineering, Geomatics, or Software Engineering.
A clearly identified problem in mineral exploration, mining, or related environmental and operational activities, paired with an initial technology-based idea.
Defined roles for each team member and a commitment to participate throughout the programme.
A valid national ID for each team member. (Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply).

Benefits

Technical mentorship from industry experts, universities, geological institutions, and mining sector practitioners.
Industry engagement and validation to test whether your solution addresses genuine user needs.
Prototype development support through UniPods, MineTech Hub facilities, and relevant innovation infrastructure.
Entrepreneurship and venture readiness support, covering business models, market validation, and routes to commercialisation.
Networking opportunities with mining stakeholders, researchers, technology experts, investors, and innovation organisations.
Chances for selected teams to compete for seed funding to build low-fidelity prototypes and proof-of-concept solutions, with high-potential teams progressing to MineTech Hub incubation.