By Eddah Waithaka
Qualcomm Incorporated today revealed the 10 startups selected for its 2025 Make in Africa program, an equity-free initiative designed to accelerate Africa’s deep-tech ecosystem.
Now in its third year, the Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform provides mentorship, technical training, and business development support to early-stage startups leveraging 5G, Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT technologies.
This year, Qualcomm received 435 applications from 19 African countries, marking a surge in demand for advanced tech incubation.
The chosen startups will receive free hardware, expert mentorship, IP protection guidance, and access to engineering consultations to refine their innovations.
At the end of the program, one standout startup will secure funding from the Qualcomm Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund, while the remaining nine will receive stipends to scale their solutions.
The 2025 Make in Africa Cohort features a diverse array of innovative startups, including Aframend from Nigeria, which focuses on AI-driven drug discovery utilizing African phytochemicals; AmalXR from Tunisia, offering AI-powered virtual reality rehabilitation with clinical validation; Archeos from Benin, specializing in solar and IoT automation for optimal fish farming; ClimatrixAI from Nigeria, dedicated to AI-driven hyperlocal flood risk prediction; Ecobees from Tunisia, providing AI-based monitoring for hive health in beekeeping; Edulytics from Senegal, introducing a mobile tool for liver fibrosis detection via ultrasound; Farmer Lifeline from Kenya, creating solar-powered AI robots for crop pest detection; Pixii Motors from Tunisia, optimizing electric scooter battery swap stations through AI and IoT; Pollen Patrollers from Kenya, implementing an AI/IoT pollination system to address hive collapse; and Solar Freeze from Kenya, offering solar-powered IoT cold storage solutions aimed at reducing food waste.
Expanding Impact Through Wireless Reach & IP Training
Qualcomm will award the Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund to one startup demonstrating exceptional societal impact through wireless technology.
The remaining participants will receive stipends to fuel growth. Additionally, Qualcomm highlighted the success of its L2Pro Africa IP e-learning platform, a free resource developed with Adams and Adams, Africa’s top IP law firm.
Read More On : https://africawatchnews.co.ke/nairobi-to-host-major-international-automotive-trade-expo-in-may-2025/
The platform now includes country-specific patent filing guides for Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, and regional bodies ARIPO and OAPI, covering 43 African nations.
Over 135 students have already enrolled, with several alumni filing patents for their innovations.
Leadership Perspectives
Wassim Chourbaji, SVP and President of Qualcomm MEA & Government Affairs EMEA, stated: “This year’s cohort proves Africa’s deep-tech potential. These startups are harnessing 5G, AI, and IoT to tackle critical challenges in agriculture, healthcare, and sustainability. Qualcomm is committed to fueling their success.”
John Omo, Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), added, “ATU proudly supports Qualcomm’s Make in Africa program. These startups embody Africa’s innovative spirit. We urge governments, investors, and industry leaders to rally behind them—because Africa’s future is being built today.”
The 2025 program underscores Qualcomm’s long-term investment in Africa’s tech ecosystem. By bridging gaps in mentorship, funding, and IP protection, the initiative aims to turn cutting-edge ideas into scalable solutions that drive economic and social progress.
Read More Stories At: https://africawatchnews.co.ke/
