San Diego / Lagos — U.S.-based technology giant Qualcomm has opened applications for the latest edition of its Make in Africa Startup Guidance Programme, a mentorship initiative designed to support early-stage African startups building innovative technology solutions.

The programme offers selected startups access to specialist business mentoring, direct engagement with experienced Qualcomm engineers, and guidance on product development and intellectual property protection—all provided on a non-equity basis.

Qualcomm, which is listed on the NASDAQ, is a global leader in chips, applications, and technologies that power wireless communication systems. The company has maintained a growing footprint in Africa, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.

The Make in Africa initiative is part of Qualcomm’s African Innovation Hub, launched in 2022 to identify and nurture high-potential startups leveraging advanced networking and computing technologies. The programme targets ventures developing end-to-end system solutions that combine both hardware and software to address real-world market needs.

Participating startups will receive structured support, including strategic business advice, technical guidance for product design and scaling, and expert counsel on protecting proprietary innovations—key areas that often pose challenges for early-stage companies navigating competitive tech ecosystems.

Applications for the current cohort are now open and will close on February 16. The mentorship programme is scheduled to run from April through December, providing sustained engagement to help startups refine their products, strengthen operations, and prepare for growth.

Interested startups can find more information and submit applications through the programme’s official platform. Qualcomm said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to fostering innovation, talent development, and sustainable tech entrepreneurship across Africa.