Eligibility

• Citizen of a sub-Saharan African country, ordinarily based there
• Over 18 by application deadline
• High English proficiency required
• Hardware entries: working prototype + customer interest
• Software entries: functional MVP + evidence of traction
• Not previous Africa Prize alumni or current RAEng programme participants

Selection Criteria

• Stage 1: Technological viability and credibility of engineering solution
• Stage 2: Business viability — plan, market analysis, financial projections
• Scalable engineering solutions to African challenges
• Early commercial traction (prototype or MVP stage)

What They Look For

Sub-Saharan African engineers solving local challenges with scalable engineering solutions, at prototype/early-commercial stage. 8-month acceleration programme. 71% of alumni generate revenue post-programme. Current cycle (2026 cohort, Cycle 12) is mid-programme — final showcase Johannesburg October 2026. Next application window opens summer 2026.