Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 ($5,000 Stipend) - NAIJA STICK

Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 ($5,000 Stipend)

The Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 is now open for early-stage African tech startups ready to build and scale using advanced connectivity and processing technologies.

• This equity-free mentorship programme offers founders access to expert coaching, engineering guidance, IP support, and visibility across the innovation ecosystem.
• Africa’s deep-tech ecosystem - including AI, IoT, extended reality (XR), and next-generation compute - is growing rapidly.
• However, many startups face challenges accessing specialized engineering support, business mentoring, and intellectual property resources needed to move from prototype to market traction. 
• Qualcomm’s program addresses these gaps by bringing global expertise directly to African innovators.

Benefits

1:1 Mentorship from Qualcomm Experts

• Selected startups work individually with Qualcomm engineers and business strategists to improve product development, refine strategy, and clarify their value proposition.

Masterclasses and Technical Training

Participants gain practical training sessions in:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning (ML)
• IoT and embedded systems
• Extended reality (XR)
• Advanced compute
• Intellectual property (IP) strategy and patents
• Product management and investor pitching

Stipend & IP Filing Support

Eligible participants may receive a USD $5,000 stipend after completing programme requirements.

• Up to USD $5,000 reimbursement for utility patent filings in Africa, the U.S., or via PCT pathways.
• Access to patent filing consultations with experienced IP law firms.

Networking & Visibility

• Showcase your venture at a virtual finale event connecting with investors, ecosystem partners, and potential collaborators.
• Outstanding ventures may receive a Social Impact Fund award during the finale.

Eligibility 

Your startup must:

Be a registered company operating in Africa

Be in the early stage (pre-seed to seed), ideally with a minimum viable product (MVP)

• Build solutions leveraging advanced technologies or hardware-enabled systems, such as connectivity, AI, IoT, embedded compute, or related fields
• Important: Participation is equity-free - Qualcomm does not take ownership in return for support, and there is no purchase or payment required to enter.

Application Deadline & Timeline: Deadline: 15 February 2026

After the application window closes, Qualcomm will:

• Review submissions
• Shortlist startups
• Begin the mentorship phase, culminating in a virtual finale event at the end of the program year

Method of Application 

Visit the official Qualcomm Make in Africa page via the Africa Innovation portal

Review eligibility criteria and program guidelines

• Prepare your submission, including:
• Startup mission and vision
• Product details and technology stack
• Team information
• Traction metrics (if any)
• Roadmap for growth

Submit your application online before the deadline, completing all required fields

Check your email for notifications if shortlisted

Apply Now