Open Call: Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program
Deadline Date: February 15, 2026
The Qualcomm has launched the Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program, an equity-free initiative designed to support promising early-stage startups across Africa applying advanced connectivity and processing technologies to innovative end-to-end system solutions.
The focus areas and themes of the program include advanced connectivity and processing technologies, end-to-end system solutions including hardware, business coaching, engineering consultation for product development, intellectual property protection, artificial intelligence including AI-Hub, Internet of Things, Extended Reality, compute technologies including AI-PC, 5G, intellectual property law, patent filing support, social impact innovation, industry visibility, startup incubation, and funding support.
The Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program is the first initiative of its kind on the continent and is structured as an equity-free incubation opportunity.
It aims to strengthen both the technical and commercial capabilities of early-stage startups developing innovative technology solutions.
Up to ten startups will be selected for the 2026 incubation cohort and will receive one-on-one mentorship from Qualcomm subject matter experts. The program welcomes use case proposals based on the Arduino Uno Q platform, supporting practical applications of advanced connectivity and processing technologies.
Funding support is a key component of the program, with one participating startup receiving a Social Impact Fund grant through Qualcomm Wireless Reach.
All other startups that successfully complete program requirements will be eligible for a stipend of USD 5,000, providing financial support during the incubation period.
In addition to direct funding, the program offers patent filing incentives, including reimbursement of up to USD 5,000 for a full utility patent application filed in the startup’s country, at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or through the Patent Cooperation Treaty. Startups will also gain access to patent consultation hours and free online intellectual property education.