Qualcomm opens application for African startups

Qualcomm Incorporated, an American multinational company, has called for the application of African startups for its Make in Africa 2025 programme.

Qualcomm made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Wassim Chourbaji, the President of Qualcomm Middle East and Africa, said the programme, which was now in its third year, provided mentorship, business coaching, engineering consultation and IP protection advice to early-stage technology startups.

According to him, Qualcomm’s commitment to supporting African innovation is reflected in its Make in Africa programme, which has already supported 20 startups from 10 African nations.

He noted that this year’s cohort included notable finalists such as Kitovu, a Nigerian startup revolutionising agriculture with its Ware Guard smart warehouse management solution.

Chourbaji said another cohort was Aurora Health Systems of Kenya, winner of the 2024 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund.

“The Make in Africa startups are disrupting traditional industries and tackling socio-economic challenges, crafting innovative solutions with global market reach, “he said.

“To qualify, startups must demonstrate potential for impact, scalability and innovation. Applications for Make in Africa 2025 are now open and will close very soon, ” he said.

Chourbaji said the startup mentorship programme reflected Qualcomm’s commitment to support promising early-stage deep tech startups, empowering local talents, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

He noted that Qualcomm had also launched the L2Pro Africa IP e-learning Platform, a free online training programme designed to empower startups, SMEs and researchers across the continent.

“The programme is designed to provide essential knowledge and tools to protect and maximise innovations, addressing the pressing challenge of limited patent activity in Africa.

“By equipping innovators with the skills needed to safeguard and commercialise their inventions, L2Pro Africa aims to unlock new economic opportunities and foster a thriving ecosystem of innovation, ” he said.

According to him, the programme is designed to empower local talents, create jobs and drive economic growth, adding that interested startups can apply online through the Qualcomm website.