Are you a woman innovator developing a deep-tech solution? Apply for the WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators by 30 August 2026.
Are you a woman innovator developing a deep-tech solution? Apply for the WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators by 30 August 2026.
Applications are open for the WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators, an initiative by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) designed to support women-led university spin-offs, research ventures, and deep-tech startups. The programme is inviting applications from women founders, co-founders, inventors, and researchers who are developing technology-based innovations and preparing to commercialize and scale their ventures.
The WIPO Scale Up Your IP Program is designed to help women innovators integrate intellectual property into their commercialization and growth strategies. Through practical training, expert guidance, and peer learning, participants will strengthen their understanding of IP, improve their market positioning, and prepare their ventures for investment and growth.
Through the programme, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- Five interactive training sessions led by IP and business experts
- Practical tools and templates to develop an IP commercialization strategy
- Guidance on identifying unique selling points and competitive advantages
- Support to develop brand strategies and address IP ownership challenges
- Tools to prepare investor-ready data rooms
- Networking opportunities with peers, partners, and investors
- An opportunity to pitch to investors at the final event
- A certificate of participation for those who complete all sessions
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a woman founder, co-founder, inventor, or lead innovator
- Be developing a deep-tech product or technology-based innovation
- Have a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 to 8
- Have a venture that is ready to commercialize and scale
- Be working through a university spin-off, research-based venture, or deep-tech startup
To apply for the WIPO Scale Up Your IP Online Program for Women Innovators, visit the official application page here
Are you a young entrepreneur under the age of 35 looking to expand your business across Africa? Apply for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026.
Are you a young entrepreneur under the age of 35 looking to expand your business across Africa? Apply for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026.
Applications are open for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator (E-Accelerator), a joint initiative developed by YouthConnekt Africa in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union. The programme is inviting applications from export-ready, youth-led enterprises in Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, The Gambia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe that are looking to strengthen their export capacity and expand into intra-African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator is designed to help youth-led businesses overcome barriers to regional trade through enterprise diagnostics, tailored advisory services, export readiness support, and access to business and financing opportunities. The programme aims to strengthen the competitiveness of participating enterprises while supporting sustainable job creation and increased youth participation in intra-African trade.
Through the programme, selected enterprises will benefit from the following:
- Tailored enterprise diagnostics and business advisory services
- Export readiness training and accreditation
- Participation in the Export FitLab and Continental Bootcamp
- Facilitated access to intra-African markets through Policy Sandboxes
- Exposure to continental business, investment, and financing opportunities
- Support to navigate trade regulations and non-tariff barriers under the AfCFTA framework
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a youth-led enterprise with founders or owners under the age of 35
- Be operating in Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, The Gambia, Zambia, or Zimbabwe
- Have an established business operating in the local market
- Demonstrate readiness to expand into regional or continental markets
- Be committed to investing in business growth and export expansion
- Be willing to participate fully in all stages of the accelerator programme
To apply for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026, visit the official application page here.
Are you building AI solutions that advance disability inclusion in Africa? Apply for the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme by 17 July 2026.
Are you building AI solutions that advance disability inclusion in Africa? Apply for the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme by 17 July 2026.
Applications are open for the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme, an initiative under the Hub for Artificial Intelligence and Disability Inclusion (HAIDI) Innovation Track. The programme is inviting African innovators, researchers, developers, startups, and organizations developing responsible AI solutions that improve access to opportunities, services, and information for persons with disabilities across the continent.
The Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme is designed to support post-MVP AI innovations that demonstrate strong potential for impact and scale. Over an 18-month period, selected ventures will receive catalytic support to strengthen, test, and expand their solutions while working closely with disability communities to ensure accessibility, relevance, and real-world impact.
Through the programme, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- Non-equity, milestone-based funding of up to KES 5,000,000
- Hands-on technical support and coaching from disability and innovation experts
- Access to HAIDI’s Live Lab network for user testing and validation
- Business model development, go-to-market, and investor readiness support
- Strategic partnerships with funders, governments, employers, education institutions, and health systems
- Increased visibility and opportunities for future funding and collaboration
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a legally registered venture in an African country
- Have a post-MVP or market-ready solution with evidence of traction
- Use AI or machine learning as a core driver of impact
- Focus on improving outcomes for persons with disabilities or their caregivers
- Operate in areas such as education, employment, mental health, care giving and independence, or AI-enabled assistive technology
- Demonstrate potential to scale impact across Africa
To apply for the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme, visit the official application page here.
Are you an aspiring AI entrepreneur in Africa? Apply for the MEST AI Startup Program by 20 July 2026.
Are you an aspiring AI entrepreneur in Africa? Apply for the MEST AI Startup Program by 20 July 2026.
Applications are open for the MEST AI Startup Program, an initiative by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) designed to equip Africa’s next generation of AI entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and support needed to build globally competitive startups. The programme is inviting applications from ambitious founders across West and East Africa who are interested in developing innovative AI-powered solutions to real-world challenges.
The MEST AI Startup Program is a fully sponsored, immersive programme that combines entrepreneurship training, technical skills development, mentorship, and startup incubation. Participants will work with experienced practitioners and industry experts to validate ideas, build products, and prepare ventures for growth and investment.
Through the programme, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- A fully sponsored 12-month startup development programme
- Intensive training in AI, software development, entrepreneurship, and business strategy
- Access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts
- Support to build, test, and launch AI-driven products and solutions
- A four-month incubation phase for the most promising ventures
- Opportunities to pitch for pre-seed investment and join the MEST portfolio
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be between 21 and 35 years old
- Hold a bachelor’s degree, diploma, or possess equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrate software development experience and a basic understanding of AI
- Show a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation
- Be a citizen of a West or East African country
- Be available to commit fully to the programme for up to 12 months
To apply for the MEST AI Startup Program, visit the official application page here.
Are you a startup in Africa looking to scale an innovative business with development impact? Apply for the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition by 30 June 2026.
Applications are open for the develoPPP Ventures programme, an initiative supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through DEG Impulse and GIZ. The programme is inviting applications from innovative startups operating in selected African countries that are driving sustainable economic, social, or environmental impact through scalable business models.
develoPPP Ventures is designed to support high-potential startups that have already achieved proof of concept and are ready to scale their operations. Through a matching-funds model, the programme provides catalytic support to startups contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while expanding access to innovative solutions in emerging markets.
Through the programme, selected startups will benefit from the following:
- Non-dilutive funding of up to EUR 100,000 through a matching-funds model
- Tailored technical assistance and business support from sector experts
- Access to networks, investors, and ecosystem partners
- Opportunities to scale operations and expand market reach
- Potential access to additional top-up funding in later phases
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a privately owned and profit-oriented startup
- Operate in an eligible target country, including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa, and others announced during the call period
- Have an innovative and scalable business model with development relevance
- Demonstrate proof of concept with initial revenues already generated
- Provide at least one annual financial statement and a viable business plan
- Secure matching investment funds equivalent to the requested develoPPP Ventures funding
To apply for the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition, visit the official application page here.
Are you a young innovator in Africa with a bold idea? Apply for the Ignite Challenge 4.0 April 4, 2026
Are you a young innovator in Africa with a bold idea? Apply for the Ignite Challenge 4.0
Applications are open for the Ignite Challenge 4.0, an initiative by Impact Hub Kigali designed to support young innovators and entrepreneurs working on impactful solutions to pressing social and economic challenges. The programme is inviting applications from early-stage founders and teams with innovative ideas that have the potential to drive sustainable development and create meaningful change in their communities.
The Ignite Challenge is a competitive innovation programme aimed at identifying, supporting, and accelerating high-potential ideas through mentorship, training, and access to resources. It focuses on empowering youth-led ventures with the skills and networks needed to transform ideas into viable and scalable solutions.
Through the programme, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- Structured training and capacity-building sessions to refine ideas and business models
- Access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts
- Opportunities to pitch ideas and gain exposure to potential partners and investors
- Access to a supportive innovation ecosystem and peer network
- Potential funding or support to further develop and scale selected solutions
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a young innovator or entrepreneur with an early-stage idea or startup
- Be based in Africa or operating within an African context
- Present an innovative solution addressing social, economic, or environmental challenges
- Demonstrate commitment to developing and scaling the proposed idea
- Be available to participate fully in programme activities
To apply for the Ignite Challenge 4.0, visit the official application page here.
Are you an African startup building innovative technology solutions? Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme before 18 March 2026.
Are you an African startup building innovative technology solutions? Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme before 18 March 2026.
Applications are open for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme. Google for Startups, Google’s initiative supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, is inviting applications from African technology startups using innovation to solve local and global challenges across the continent.
The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is an equity-free, three-month accelerator programme designed to support promising startups through technical mentorship, business growth support, and access to Google’s global network. The programme focuses on helping founders scale their solutions and build sustainable, high-impact businesses.
Through the programme, selected startups will benefit from the following:
- Equity-free support and tailored mentorship from Google and industry experts
- Technical training and product support, including guidance on engineering, UX, and cloud solutions
- Access to Google tools, resources, and product credits to support startup growth
- Strategic support on business development, leadership, and scaling operations
- Connection to a global network of founders, investors, and partners
Interested applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a technology-focused startup using innovation to address a real-world problem
- Be based in Africa and primarily serve African or global markets
- Have an MVP or early-stage product with demonstrated traction
- Have at least one founder of African descent
- Be committed to participating fully in the duration of the accelerator programme
To apply, visit the official application page at Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme Applications.
Are you an early-stage startup with a scalable business idea? Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme by 1 March 2026
Are you an early-stage startup with a scalable business idea? Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme by 1 March 2026
Applications are now open for the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme 2026. The Tony Elumelu Foundation, a leading African private-sector-led philanthropic organisation empowering young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, is inviting applications from innovators and early-stage founders with growth-oriented business ideas or existing startups.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is a flagship initiative designed to identify, train, mentor, and fund African entrepreneurs. Successful applicants will benefit from a structured business training curriculum, seed funding, mentorship, and expanded professional networks.
Through the programme, successful applicants will be offered the following:
- World-class business management training delivered over a structured curriculum
- Non-refundable seed capital of up to USD 5,000
- One-on-one mentorship
- Access to key networks and market opportunities across Africa and globally
- Participation in the TEFConnect proprietary digital platform for business support and community engagement
Interested applicants are required to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:
- Have a scalable business idea or an early-stage company (typically 0–5 years old) operating in any sector
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Applications must focus on one business entity or idea only
- Businesses must be located in and primarily serve African markets
- Business activities must not adversely affect the environment, lives, or property
- Business ideas must be the original work of those making the submission
To apply for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2026, visit the official programme application portal on TEFConnect.
Are you an early-stage startup using frontier technologies for social impact? Apply for the UNICEF Venture Fund StartUp Lab Cohort 6 by 20 February 2026
Are you an early-stage startup using frontier technologies for social impact? Apply for the UNICEF Venture Fund StartUp Lab Cohort 6 by 20 February 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 UNICEF Venture Fund StartUp Lab Cohort 6. The UNICEF Venture Fund, a programme of the United Nations Children’s Fund, is seeking technology-driven startups that utilise frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain, and other digital innovations to address real-world social challenges.
The StartUp Lab accelerator aims to identify, mentor, and support startups that demonstrate bold, scalable solutions with measurable social impact, particularly in areas aligned with UNICEF’s mission and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through the programme, successful applicants will be offered the following:
- Direct engagement with UNICEF programme experts across key sectors
- Industry-led training, mentorship, and hands-on technical support
- Access to UNICEF’s global network of country offices and strategic partners
- Opportunities to engage with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Ghana
- Up to USD 6,000 in prototyping funding
- USD 15,000 scale-up funding for the top three performing startups
- Guidance on aligning products with the SDGs and contributing to the digital public goods ecosystem
Interested applicants are required to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:
- Be an early-stage startup, ideally with a functional prototype
- Be based in and serving low- and middle-income countries
- Demonstrate a commitment to open-source principles
- Develop solutions addressing one or more of the following areas:
- Urban technology
- Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
- Child protection
- Education
- Healthcare
- Climate resilience
- Financial inclusion
To apply for the UNICEF Venture Fund StartUp Lab Cohort 6, visit the official programme application portal.
Accelerate X Fuze Challenge
Are you a tech-startup founder in East Africa with a solution in transport, logistics or mobility? Apply for the Accelerate X Fuze Challenge before 21 November 2025
The Accelerate X Fuzé Challenge is a partnership initiative between Digital Africa, the Yiri (AGL) Group and other ecosystem partners. It targets innovative start-ups from East Africa, including Rwanda, in transport and logistics. Success applicants will have the chance to pitch in Kigali and gain access to a six-month acceleration programme.
Selected participants will have the opportunity to pitch live in Kigali and be part of a top cohort of startups. The Challenge offers access to the Fuzé investment scheme through Digital Africa, which provides pre-seed funding tickets of up to €100,000 tailored for African tech start-ups. Participants will also join a six-month acceleration programme designed to help them scale operations and connect with mentors, investors and other partners.
Eligible applicants include startups founded by at least one African national and operating in or serving East Africa. Businesses should have a technology-oriented model, ideally in the mobility, transport or logistics sectors. Applicants are expected to have a minimum viable product or early traction in the market.
Interested startups can apply by submitting their profile here.