Staff Writer
A Namibian startup has been selected for the fourth edition of the Qualcomm Incorporated Make in Africa Mentorship Programme, placing the country among 10 chosen across the continent.
The programme selected 10 early-stage startups from more than 1 200 applications submitted from over 45 African countries.
It forms part of the Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform, which supports technology startups.
Namibia is represented by Amperra Charging Company. The company is developing an AI-driven electric vehicle charging system designed to adapt to power grid conditions and support electric mobility in Africa.
The mentorship programme provides training, technical support and access to tools used in artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet of Things. Startups also receive support in product design, engineering and business development.
Participants who complete the programme will qualify for a US$5 000 stipend. One startup will receive additional funding through the Qualcomm for Good Social Impact Fund.
Other selected startups are working on solutions in agriculture, robotics, water systems and energy.
The programme focuses on helping startups build products that can be used in real-world environments such as farms, clinics, factories and cities.
“Four years into Qualcomm Make in Africa, what stands out is not only the growing number of applications we receive but also the increasing sophistication of the solutions being built,” said Wassim Chourbaji.
He said the programme supports startups from early development stages through to commercial use.
The initiative continues to support technology startups working on artificial intelligence, connectivity and industrial systems across Africa.
