Qualcomm Incorporated has announced the successful completion of the second year of its Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program, culminating in the Make in Africa Finale 2024, which showcased the innovation and energy emerging from the African technology scene. This year, the program supported ten startups from six African nations, focusing on significant challenges across healthcare, agriculture, artificial intelligence (AI), and industrial sectors. Applications for the next iteration, Qualcomm Make in Africa 2025, are now open.
Among the finalists was Kitovu, a Nigerian startup founded by Nwachinemera Emeka. Kitovu aims to transform agriculture through its WareGuard smart warehouse management solution, designed to minimise post-harvest losses and enhance food security for millions of farmers in the region.
The finalists represented various innovative approaches to addressing pressing issues in multiple sectors. For instance, Aurora Health Systems, based in Kenya, was awarded the 2024 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund for their development of a wireless portable ECG device. This innovative device, equipped with LTE connectivity, facilitates remote transmission of ECG data from patients to healthcare providers, making vital health information accessible even in rural areas. Furthermore, Aurora is the first entity in East Africa to train ECG AI models using locally sourced data, leading to improved accuracy and diagnostics.
Other notable startups included CropScan and NextAI Studios from Kenya, which focus on solar-powered smart farming IoT devices and AI-based emotion detection for children, respectively. In Tunisia, Cure Bionics is advancing the production of smart 3D printed prosthetic devices, while Egyptian startup DevisionX is working on AI-based low-code computer vision tools. Kalio, from Cameroon, is developing AI technologies for agricultural IoT, while South Africa’s Sparcx uses AI to enhance radar signal processing. Lastly, ViZmerald from Tunisia is engaged in AI-based inspections for the textile industry.
As part of their commitment to fostering innovation, Qualcomm has introduced the L2Pro Africa IP E-Learning Platform, an initiative aimed at equipping startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and researchers in Africa with the essential knowledge to protect and commercialise their innovations. This initiative is in partnership with Adams and Adams, a prominent IP law firm in Africa, combatting the challenge of limited patent activity on the continent.
Wassim Chourbaji, Senior Vice President and President of Qualcomm Middle East and Africa, remarked, “The Make in Africa startups are disrupting traditional industries and tackling socio-economic challenges, crafting innovative solutions with global market reach by using AI, advanced connectivity, and IoT.” He emphasised that the mentorship programme reflects Qualcomm’s dedication to supporting early-stage deep tech startups and driving economic growth through local talent.
With Qualcomm's continued investment in the technology landscape in Africa, the anticipation for the 2025 programme is significant, with hopes that it will further fuel growth and innovation across various sectors.
Source: Noah Wire Services