Qualcomm has announced the successful completion of the second year of its Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program, culminating in the Make in Africa Finale 2024. The platform continues to showcase the energy and innovation emerging from the African technology scene, demonstrating Qualcomm’s commitment to supporting startups as part of the broader Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform.
Now in its second year, the program has successfully guided early-stage technology startups by providing mentorship, business coaching, engineering consultation, and IP protection advice.
This year’s ‘Make in Africa’ finalists, drawn from six African nations, are developing innovative solutions which tackling challenges in healthcare, agriculture, cutting-edge AI and industrial sectors.
The 2024 cohort includes the following startups (listed in alphabetical order):
- Aurora Health Systems from Kenya provides AI-based cardiovascular healthcare tools
- CropScan from Kenya uses solar-powered smart farming IoT devices
- Cure Bionics from Tunisia makes smart 3D printed prosthetic devices
- DevisionX from Egypt provides AI-based low-code computer vision tools
- Kalio from Cameroon is building AI tools for Agricultural IoT
- Kitovu from Nigeria provides tools and software for smart agricultural warehouse management
- NextAI Studios from Kenya builds AI-based emotion detection into toys for children’s mental healthcare
- RIM Nextgen from Kenya, uses smart tools for monitoring propane consumption
- Sparcx from South Africa uses AI for enhancing radar signal processing
- ViZmerald from Tunisia, is working on AI-based textile industry inspection
Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund Winner
Aurora Health Systems from Kenya was announced the winner of the 2024 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund. This fund, provided by Qualcomm through its Qualcomm Wireless Reach Initiative, aims to support startups in scaling their societal and market impact. Aurora Health Systems was selected for its innovative wireless, portable ECG device with LTE connectivity. The device assists patients with cardiovascular disease by enabling remote data transmission of ECG data to healthcare providers, even in rural areas. The firm is the first in East Africa to train ECG AI models on locally sourced data, resulting in more accurate algorithms and improved AI-powered diagnostics. Additionally, all finalists will receive stipends to further fuel their growth and help protect their intellectual property.
Highlighting the L2Pro Africa IP E-Learning Platform
In an effort to harness Africa’s vast potential for innovation and creativity, the L2Pro Africa IP e-learning Platform provides further support to startups across Africa. This free online training program, developed in collaboration with Adams and Adams, Africa’s leading IP law firm, is designed to empower startups, SMEs, and researchers across the continent. The platform provides essential knowledge and tools to protect and maximize innovations, addressing the pressing challenge of limited patent activity in Africa. By equipping innovators with the skills needed to safeguard and commercialize their inventions, L2Pro Africa aims to unlock new economic opportunities and foster a thriving ecosystem of innovation.
Launch of Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2025
Building on the success of previous years, Qualcomm is excited to launch the Make in Africa 2025 program. Applications are now open. Details can be found here.
“The Make in Africa startups are disrupting traditional industries and tackling socio-economic challenges, crafting innovative solutions with global market reach by using AI, advanced connectivity, and IoT,” said Wassim Chourbaji, the Senior VP and President, Qualcomm MEA and Senior VP, Government Affairs EMEA. “This startup mentorship program reflects Qualcomm’s commitment to support promising early-stage deep tech startups, empowering local talents, creating jobs and driving economic growth.”
Qualcomm Incorporated includes the group’s licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of its patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of the engineering and research and development functions and substantially all of the products and services businesses, including its QCT semiconductor business. Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patented technologies are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.
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