Qualcomm Incorporated has unveiled the shortlisted startups for its prestigious Make in Africa 2024 program. This equity-free mentorship initiative aims to empower early-stage startups harnessing cutting-edge connectivity and processing technologies for transformative solutions.
This year’s cohort comprises an eclectic mix of visionary ventures poised to revolutionize diverse sectors with advanced technologies such as 5G, Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT. Among the standout selections are Kenyan-based Aurora Health, pioneering AI-driven cardiovascular healthcare tools, and CropScan, leveraging solar-powered smart farming IoT devices to revolutionize agriculture.
NextAI Studios stands out with its mission to embed AI-based emotion detection into toys, transforming children’s mental healthcare. RIM Nextgen brings innovation to energy management with smart tools for monitoring propane consumption.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Cure Bionics from Tunisia impresses with its smart 3D printed prosthetic arms, while DevisionX from Egypt offers AI-based low-code computer vision tools.
Additional startups include Kalio from Cameroon, developing AI tools for Agricultural IoT, and Kitovu from Nigeria, providing smart agricultural warehouse management solutions. South African Sparcx enhances radar signal processing with AI, and Vizmerald from Tunisia pioneers AI-based textile industry inspection.
Alex Rogers, President of QTL and Global Affairs at Qualcomm Incorporated, expressed excitement about the program’s success, stating,
“The quality and diversity of the applications received reflect the immense talent and potential within Africa’s technology ecosystem.”
There are more than 250 startups from 30 different countries that are vying for a spot in the the Qualcomm Make in Africa 2024 program. This huge number demonstrates the continent’s vibrant tech landscape as well as its potential to drive impactful innovation. These startups are expected to embark on their journey with Qualcomm’s guidance and are touted to make a lasting impression both in their communities and on a global scale.