Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today unveiled the 10 startups selected for the 2026 Qualcomm Make in Africa Mentorship Program. This selection marks the fourth year of the initiative, which is a core component of the Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform. The program is designed to support early-stage startups that are developing innovative solutions in deep-tech fields, including artificial intelligence, 5G, and the Internet of Things. By providing these companies with access to global expertise and technical resources, Qualcomm aims to accelerate the digital transformation across the African continent.
The 2026 cohort was chosen from a pool of hundreds of applicants following a rigorous review process by Qualcomm’s leadership and technical teams. The selected startups represent a diverse range of geographic regions and industrial applications. Among the participants are companies such as AgriTech Solutions from Kenya, which utilizes AI-driven data to optimize crop yields, and HealthLink Systems from Nigeria, a startup focused on remote patient monitoring via 5G-enabled devices. Other selected entities include firms from Egypt, South Africa, and Ghana, highlighting the broad reach of the mentorship initiative.
Participants in the mentorship program will receive one-on-one coaching from Qualcomm’s senior executives and engineers. The curriculum covers essential business and technical areas, including product management, business development, and go-to-market strategies. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to intellectual property protection, where startups learn how to navigate patent filings and safeguard their innovations. Additionally, the startups will have access to Qualcomm’s engineering labs and hardware platforms, allowing them to refine their prototypes and scale their technological capabilities.
Elizabeth Migwalla, Vice President of Government Affairs at Qualcomm International, Inc., emphasized the importance of local innovation in addressing regional challenges. She noted that the program is not just about mentorship but about building a sustainable ecosystem where African tech talent can thrive. Alex Rogers, President of QTL & Global Affairs, added that the initiative aligns with Qualcomm’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in emerging markets and foster the adoption of advanced processing technologies. Since its inception in 2023, the Make in Africa program has supported over 30 startups, many of which have successfully secured follow-on funding and commercial partnerships.
The mentorship program will culminate in a Demo Day scheduled for late 2026, where the 10 startups will present their refined business models and technical solutions to a panel of industry leaders, venture capitalists, and government officials. This event provides a platform for the startups to gain visibility and potentially secure the investment needed for commercial scaling. Qualcomm confirmed that the program remains a non-equity initiative, meaning the company does not take ownership stakes in the participating startups, focusing instead on ecosystem development and technical integration.