Kenya’s Farmer Lifeline and Solar Freeze is one of 10 startups that have been shortlisted.
Qualcomm Make in Africais an equity-free mentoring program that identifies promising startups at the early stage and deep technology using advanced technologies like 5G, Edge-AI/ML on devices, Compute and IoT.
Farmer Lifeline uses Solar-powered AI robots to detect crop pests and diseases, while Pollen Patrollers uses AI/IoT for precise and healthy pollination. Solar Freeze is an IoT-powered cold storage that uses solar power to reduce food losses after harvest.
The rest of the cohort will receive free hardware platforms as well as mentorship, business advice, engineering consultations, and guidance to protect intellectual property. The 2025 cohort includes the following:
- AmalXR,Tunisia,
- Archeos,Benin,
- Archeos,Benin,
- ClimatrixAI,Nigeria,
- Ecobees,Tunisia,
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In its third year, the Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform supports the development of Africa’s deep technology ecosystem through mentorship and technical, business, and IP training programs. This year, Qualcomm was overwhelmed by the response. There were approximately 435 applications submitted from 19 different countries.
At completion of the mentorship program, startups will be eligible to receive the Social Impact Fund provided by the Qualcomm(r), Wireless Reach(tm), Initiative. This fund helps startups to scale their market and societal impact. The fund will be awarded to one startup for its innovative use wireless technology to meet community needs. The other nine startups will receive stipends that will support their growth and development.
Startups also have access to L2Pro Africa IP E-learning Platform. This is a free online program designed to empower African startups, SMEs and researchers to protect, secure and maximize their innovations. The platform, created in collaboration with Adams and Adams and covering 43 African countries, has individual filing procedures to file patents, industrial design, and trademarks.
John Omo, Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union said: “The African Telecommunications Union is proud to partner Qualcomm on the Make in Africa 2025 program.” “Innovation is Africa’s future engine, and the ten startups that make up this year’s cohort are a clear example of its power.” said John Omo, Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU). ATU is working to align spectrum policies, regional standards and open-data practices to ensure that new technologies can move quickly from the lab to the market. However, we recognize that real progress requires a broad coalition. We call on governments, academics, investors, and the industry to support these ventures – and every initiative that puts African innovation first.”
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