Qualcomm Incorporated has announced the shortlisted startups for Qualcomm Make in Africa 2025.
Qualcomm Make in Africa is an equity-free mentorship program that identifies promising early-stage and deep-technology startups eager to use advanced connectivity and processing technologies such as 5G, on-device Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT in innovative end-to-end systems solutions.
This year, Qualcomm says it received an overwhelming response, with approximately 435 applications from 19 countries.
These startups have demonstrated exceptional potential in applying advanced connectivity and processing technologies to innovative end-to-end systems solutions. The selected startups will receive free hardware platforms, mentorship, business coaching, access to engineering consultations for product development, and guidance on protecting intellectual property.
At the end of the mentorship cycle, startups will be eligible for the Social Impact Fund, provided through the Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™ Initiative. This fund supports startups in scaling their societal and market impact. One startup will be awarded the fund for its innovative use of wireless technology to address community needs, while the other nine will receive stipends to support their growth and continued development
“This year’s cohort of deep technology startups is a testament to Africa’s burgeoning innovation landscape.”, said Wassim Chourbaji, SVP and president, Qualcomm MEA & SVP, Government Affairs EMEA. “By leveraging Qualcomm’s cellular, IoT, and edge-AI technologies, these startups are poised to revolutionize agriculture, sustainability, climate change, transportation, and healthcare. We are honored to support their journey toward creating transformative solutions for a better future.”
“The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) is proud to partner with Qualcomm on the 2025 Make in Africa program.” said John Omo, Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU).
“Innovation is the engine of Africa’s future, and it is clear the ten startups in this year’s cohort exemplify its power. While ATU works to align spectrum policy, regional standards, and open-data practices so that new technologies move quickly from lab to market, we also recognize that real progress demands a broad coalition. We therefore call on governments, academia, investors, and industry to back these ventures—and every initiative that puts African ingenuity first.”
The 2025 cohort includes the following startups:
- Aframend, Nigeria: AI-driven drug discovery with African phytochemicals
- AmalXR, Tunisia: AI-powered VR rehabilitation with clinical validation and progress simulations
- Archeos, Benin: Solar/IoT pisciculture automation for optimal water quality and feeding
- ClimatrixAI, Nigeria: AI-driven hyperlocal flood risk prediction and monitoring
- Ecobees, Tunisia: AI-based beekeeping for hive health, water levels, and climate conditions
- Edulytics, Senegal: AI-based mobile liver fibrosis detection using ultrasound images
- Farmer Lifeline, Kenya: Solar-powered AI robots for crop pests and disease detection
- Pixii Motors, Tunisia: Electric scooter with AI/IoT battery optimization and swap stations
- Pollen Patrollers, Kenya: AI/IoT based precise and healthy pollination to combat hive collapse
- Solar Freeze, Kenya: Solar-powered IoT cold storage to reduce post-harvest food loss
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