Tunisia's Open Startup Launches Science Road for Deep Tech

After 10 years of helping entrepreneurs across Africa, Open Startup is betting big on the continent's scientists and researchers.

The Tunisia-based organization announced The Science Road on June 29, 2026, a new initiative designed to transform laboratory breakthroughs into thriving businesses. Since its founding in 2016, Open Startup has supported more than 3,000 founders and over 1,000 startups across 20 African countries.

The Science Road addresses a critical gap in Africa's innovation ecosystem. While tech startups often find support, scientists developing medical devices, climate solutions, and artificial intelligence need longer timelines, specialized mentorship, and patient investors who understand deep tech.

"We're entering our second decade with greater maturity and renewed ambition," said Houda Ghozzi, Founder and CEO of Open Startup. The platform connects African scientists with global markets, partners, and capital through two pathways: one for early-stage researchers transforming ideas into ventures, and another for startups ready to scale breakthrough technologies.

To make the strategy work, Open Startup launched Openers First, a dedicated investment arm providing crucial early-stage funding. This helps promising ventures bridge the notorious gap between pre-seed and seed funding, where many research-driven startups struggle to survive.

The organization isn't working alone. Partnerships now stretch from Tunis to South Africa, including collaborations with Stellenbosch University and LaunchLab to move innovations from laboratories into real-world markets.

Over the past decade, Open Startup has built a network of more than 500 mentors and trained over 300 coaches. Supporters include KfW AfricaGrow, the U.S. Department of State, the European Union, Digital Africa, and academic institutions like MIT and Columbia University.

The Ripple Effect

The Science Road could reshape how the world views African innovation. Instead of positioning Africa as a recipient of technology, this initiative positions the continent as a creator and contributor to global scientific progress.

African researchers are already working on solutions for challenges the entire world faces, from climate adaptation to infectious diseases. With proper support, these innovations could generate shared prosperity while proving that breakthrough science happens everywhere, not just in Silicon Valley or Boston.

The timing matters too. As global investors increasingly seek diverse opportunities and untapped markets, African deep tech offers both impact and returns.

A continent rich in scientific talent now has a dedicated pathway to turn discoveries into companies that can compete on the world stage.