Qualcomm has recently launched the applications for its newest initiative, the ‘Make in Africa’ Startup Mentorship Program. This program is dedicated to supporting early-stage African startups that are utilizing advanced connectivity and processing technologies. The program, which is equity-free, is a crucial part of Qualcomm’s African Innovation Platform, offering selected startups business coaching, engineering consultation for product development, and guidance on intellectual property protection.
Successful applicants of the program will have the opportunity to directly interact with Qualcomm engineers and business mentors. The application deadline is set for February 16, with the program scheduled to run from April to December 2025. This mentorship program by Qualcomm emphasizes the growing need for deep-tech innovation in Africa. With more startups delving into hardware, IoT, AI, and 5G applications, access to technical expertise and IP protection has become imperative.
While Africa’s hardware and semiconductor ecosystem is still in its nascent stages, with most startups focusing on software-driven solutions, Qualcomm’s initiative aims to bridge this gap by nurturing local talent in connectivity and processing technologies. By offering mentorship without requiring equity commitments, Qualcomm positions itself as a strategic enabler of Africa’s tech-driven future. This could potentially pave the way for increased investment in the continent’s burgeoning tech infrastructure.
The original source of this information can be found at Daba Finance.
