The Qualcomm® Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 is an equity-free initiative targeting early-stage African startups utilizing advanced connectivity, AI, and processing technologies. Up to 10 startups will receive 1:1 mentorship from Qualcomm experts, access to masterclasses, and a USD $5,000 stipend upon program completion. One standout startup will receive a Social Impact Fund grant from Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™. The program emphasizes Intellectual Property (IP) protection, offering up to $5,000 in patent filing reimbursements and consultation with IP law firms. Applications close February 15, 2026, with a virtual finale scheduled for December 2026.
Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Qualcomm® |
| Startup Cohort Size | Up to 10 startups |
| Completion Stipend | USD $5,000 |
| Special Award | Wireless Reach™ Social Impact Fund Grant |
| Key Tech Areas | AI, IoT, 5G, XR, Edge Compute, Hardware |
| IP Benefit | $5,000 Patent Reimbursement + Consultations |
| Application Deadline | February 15, 2026 |
Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 Details
Qualcomm® Make in Africa is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to identify and scale promising African startups.
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The program focuses on “end-to-end systems solutions,” meaning it supports companies building both the software and hardware infrastructure required for modern connectivity and intelligent computing.
Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 Benefits
- Expert Mentorship: 1:1 coaching sessions with Qualcomm subject matter experts.
- Hardware Development: Guidance on applying advanced connectivity and processing to product development, including Arduino Uno Q based usecases.
- Comprehensive Training: Masterclasses in AI (including AI-Hub), 5G, XR, and AI-PC (Compute).
- Intellectual Property (IP) Protection:
- Reimbursement of up to USD $5,000 for one full utility patent application.
- Consultation hours with Adams & Adams, a leading African IP law firm.
- Access to L2Pro Africa for online IP education.
- Financial Support: A $5,000 stipend for participants who meet all program requirements.
- Visibility: A virtual finale in December 2026 to showcase solutions to industry leaders.
Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 Step-by-Step Application Process
- Confirm Tech Alignment: Ensure your startup is focused on AI, Edge Compute, IoT, 5G, or XR.
- Review Eligibility: Confirm your startup is based on the African continent and is in the early stage of development.
- Define Your Usecase: Develop a proposal that highlights how you use advanced connectivity; mention any Arduino Uno Q hardware applications if applicable.
- Register Online: Visit the Qualcomm submission portal to create a profile.
- Submit Innovation Details: Provide detailed information on your product, target market, and the hardware/software synergy.
- Focus on IP: Be prepared to discuss your current approach to Intellectual Property and how the program could help you protect it.
- Complete Application: Submit all required documentation before the February 15, 2026 deadline.
- Selection Process: Qualcomm experts will review applications to identify the top 10 most promising startups.
- Incubation Phase: Participate in the mentorship and masterclasses throughout 2026.
- Finale & Awards: Attend the virtual finale in December 2026 to compete for the Social Impact Fund grant and receive your stipend.
Application Deadline: February 15th, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this an equity-based program? No, it is a 100% equity-free mentorship and incubation program.
What kind of hardware does the program support? Qualcomm is interested in innovative end-to-end systems, including hardware. They specifically mention Arduino Uno Q based usecase proposals.
Do I need to have a patent already? No. One of the primary benefits is helping you file and pay for your first utility patent.
Who is eligible for the $5,000 stipend? All participating startups in the cohort (up to 10) are eligible upon successful completion of the program requirements.
What is the Social Impact Fund? It is a special grant awarded by Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™ to one startup that demonstrates significant positive social or environmental impact.
Are there training resources available? Yes, participants gain access to the Qualcomm Academy and the L2Pro Africa IP platform.
What happens at the virtual finale? Startups showcase their progress and solutions to a panel of industry experts and potential partners.
Can I apply if my startup is not yet registered? Generally, early-stage startups should be registered entities to receive stipends and patent reimbursements, though specific rules may vary by region.
What tech fields are most prioritized? AI, 5G, IoT, and Edge Compute are central to Qualcomm’s mission.
Is the patent reimbursement limited to African filings? No. It covers filings in the startup’s country, at the USPTO (USA), or via the PCT (international).
