Qualcomm has announced the startups selected for its 2025 Make in Africa program.
The initiative received 435 applications from 19 countries. The program offers mentorship and training focused on 5G, Edge-AI/ML (edge artificial intelligence/machine learning), computing power, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Selected startups will receive access to free hardware platforms, one-on-one mentorship, business coaching, engineering consultations for product development, and guidance on intellectual property protection. These benefits aim to support the development and scaling of deep-tech innovations across the continent.
The 10 startups selected for the 2025 cohort and their areas of focus are as follows:
- Aframend (Nigeria): AI-powered drug discovery using African phytochemicals
- AmalXR (Tunisia): Clinically validated, AI-powered VR rehabilitation
- Archeos (Benin): Solar-powered IoT systems for water quality and feeding automation in fish farming
- ClimatrixAI (Nigeria): Hyperlocal flood risk prediction and monitoring using AI
- Ecobees (Tunisia): AI-based beekeeping for hive health, water levels, and climate monitoring
- Edulytics (Senegal): Mobile liver fibrosis detection using AI and ultrasound imaging
- Farmer Lifeline (Kenya): Solar-powered AI robots for early detection of crop pests and diseases
- Pixii Motors (Tunisia): Electric scooters with AI/IoT-optimized battery systems and swap stations
- Pollen Patrollers (Kenya): AI/IoT-powered precision pollination to combat hive collapse
- Solar Freeze (Kenya): Solar-powered IoT cold storage solutions to reduce post-harvest food loss
At the end of the mentorship cycle, these selected startups will be eligible to apply for the Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™ Social Impact Fund.
One of the startups will be awarded the fund based on its innovative use of wireless technology to address community needs, while the remaining nine startups will receive financial stipends to support their continued growth and development.