Qualcomm Selects 10 African Startups for 2026 Tech Program

When over 1,200 African entrepreneurs applied to a single tech mentorship program, it proved something powerful: innovation is thriving across the continent. Qualcomm just announced the 10 startups selected for its 2026 Make in Africa program, and the solutions they're building could transform lives from farmlands to cities.

The fourth year of this equity-free mentorship program focuses on deep tech like Edge AI, machine learning, and IoT. Selected startups come from industries ranging from agriculture to education, assistive technology to electric vehicles. Each team will tackle real challenges facing African communities using cutting-edge wireless technology.

Zambia earned a spot through QualiKeeper Investments Ltd, which is developing an AI-powered livestock monitoring system designed specifically for rural areas with limited internet connectivity. It's exactly the kind of practical innovation the program champions: advanced technology adapted for real-world African conditions.

"What stands out is not only the growing number of applications we receive, but the increasing sophistication of the solutions being built," said Wassim Chourbaji, Qualcomm's President for the Middle East and Africa. The quality and ambition of applicants has grown dramatically since the program launched four years ago.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about gadgets and grants. Each startup gets free AI-capable hardware from Arduino, one-on-one technical mentorship, and business coaching from industry experts. They'll also receive guidance on protecting their intellectual property through patent filing consultations with Adams & Adams, Africa's leading IP law firm.

The financial support goes beyond advice. Every startup that completes the program receives a $5,000 stipend, with one team earning an additional Social Impact Fund grant from Qualcomm for Good. Startups filing patents can claim up to $5,000 in reimbursed filing fees.

The African Telecommunications Union returned as a partner for the fourth straight year. "Qualcomm Make in Africa embodies that same principle by putting cutting-edge technology directly in the hands of African innovators to solve African challenges," said Secretary General John Omo.

These aren't just pilot projects destined to gather dust. The program guides startups from early design through real-world commercialization, creating pathways to scale solutions across the continent. Previous cohorts have demonstrated that African-built technology can compete globally when given the right support.

From farms needing smarter livestock management to cities requiring better infrastructure, this year's cohort is tackling the challenges that matter most to everyday Africans. And they're doing it with technology once thought too advanced or expensive for the continent.

The future of African innovation is being built today, one startup at a time.