Qualcomm Unveils 2025 Make in Africa Startup Cohort
Qualcomm Incorporated has announced the shortlisted startups for its Qualcomm Make in Africa 2025 program. The initiative, now in its third year, supports Africa’s deep technology ecosystem by providing mentorship, technical training, business coaching, and IP protection guidance. The program focuses on advanced technologies such as 5G, Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Cohort
- 10 deep-tech startups selected from 435 applications across 19 countries
- Startups will receive free hardware platforms, mentorship, and business coaching
- Eligibility for the 2025 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund to support societal and market impact
- Continued development of the L2Pro Africa IP e-learning Platform for intellectual property protection
The selected startups for the 2025 cohort include:
- Aframend (Nigeria): AI-driven drug discovery using African phytochemicals
- AmalXR (Tunisia): AI-powered VR rehabilitation with clinical validation
- Archeos (Benin): Solar/IoT pisciculture automation for optimal water quality
- ClimatrixAI (Nigeria): AI-driven hyperlocal flood risk prediction
- Ecobees (Tunisia): AI-based beekeeping for hive health monitoring
- Edulytics (Senegal): AI-based mobile liver fibrosis detection
- Farmer Lifeline (Kenya): Solar-powered AI robots for crop pest detection
- Pixii Motors (Tunisia): Electric scooter with AI/IoT battery optimization
- Pollen Patrollers (Kenya): AI/IoT-based precise pollination systems
- Solar Freeze (Kenya): Solar-powered IoT cold storage solutions
Program Impact and Future Prospects
The Qualcomm Make in Africa program is an equity-free mentorship initiative that identifies promising early-stage deep-technology startups. These startups are working on innovative end-to-end systems solutions using advanced connectivity and processing technologies. The program not only provides technical support but also guidance on protecting intellectual property, a crucial aspect for these startups’ success.
At the end of the mentorship cycle, the startups will be eligible for the Qualcomm Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund. One startup will be awarded this fund for its innovative use of wireless technology to address community needs, while the other nine will receive stipends to support their growth.
Wassim Chourbaji, SVP and president, Qualcomm MEA & SVP, Government Affairs EMEA, stated, “This year’s cohort of deep technology startups is a testament to Africa’s burgeoning innovation landscape. By leveraging Qualcomm’s cellular, IoT, and edge-AI technologies, these startups are poised to revolutionize agriculture, sustainability, climate change, transportation, and healthcare.”
The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) is proud to partner with Qualcomm on the 2025 Make in Africa program. John Omo, Secretary General of ATU, emphasized the need for a broad coalition to support these ventures, calling on governments, academia, investors, and industry to back these initiatives that put African ingenuity first.
The L2Pro Africa IP e-learning Platform, developed in collaboration with Adams and Adams, Africa’s leading IP law firm, has already seen over 135 African students enroll. This platform provides crucial guidance on intellectual property protection across various African countries.
The 2025 Make in Africa cohort represents a significant step forward in Africa’s technological innovation journey, with these startups poised to create transformative solutions across various sectors.
