Startups shortlisted for Qualcomm Make in Africa 2024 announced
Qualcomm Incorporated has announced the shortlisted startups for its Make in Africa 2024 program.
The equity-free mentorship program identifies promising early-stage startups keen on applying advanced connectivity and processing technologies to innovative end-to-end systems solutions, including hardware. These technologies include 5G, Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT.
Now in its second year, Qualcomm said in a statement that the selected startups have demonstrated exceptional potential
The startups will receive free mentorship, business coaching, access to engineering consultation for product development, and guidance on protecting intellectual property. The startups are Kenyan-based Aurora Health which provides AI-based cardiovascular health care tools. and CropScan which uses solar-powered smart farming IoT devices, NextAI Studios which builds AI-based emotion detection into toys for children’s mental healthcare and RIM Nextgen which uses smart tools for monitoring propane consumption.
Cure Bionics from Tunisia which makes smart 3D printed prosthetic arms, and DevisionX from Egypt which provides AI-based low-code computer vision tools have also been selected.
Other startups include Kalio from Cameroon which is building AI tools for Agricultural IoT , Kitovu from Nigeria which provides tools and software for smart agricultural warehouse management, South African Sparcx which uses AI for enhancing radar signal processing and Vizmerald from Tunisia which is working on AI-based textile industry inspection.
"I am thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Africa Innovation Platform this year," said Alex Rogers, President, QTL & Global Affairs, Qualcomm Incorporated.
"The quality and diversity of the applications received reflect the immense talent and potential within Africa's technology ecosystem. We are excited to work with the shortlisted startups and provide them with the necessary resources and support to drive innovation and create a positive impact in their communities."
This year, Qualcomm says it received an overwhelming response, with approximately 250 startups from 30 countries applying for the program.
