Kenyan Startup Zerobionic Selected in Qualcomm’s 2026 Make in Africa Cohort
A Kenyan startup has earned continental recognition after being named among ten innovators selected for the 2026 cohort of Qualcomm’s Make in Africa Mentorship Programme, highlighting Kenya’s expanding role in Africa’s deep technology ecosystem.
Zerobionic, the Nairobi-based startup, is developing assistive robotics solutions aimed at improving independence and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Its selection reflects growing demand for accessible technology across Africa, as well as the increasing capacity of local innovators to address critical societal challenges through advanced engineering.
Now in its fourth year, the Qualcomm Make in Africa programme forms part of the broader Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform, which supports early-stage startups working in transformative fields such as artificial intelligence, smart systems, and connected technologies. Participants benefit from mentorship, technical guidance, business training, and intellectual property support designed to help them scale their solutions effectively.
This year’s cohort was chosen from more than 1,200 applications spanning over 45 African countries, underscoring both the competitiveness and the rapid evolution of the continent’s innovation landscape. Zerobionic’s inclusion not only reflects its technological promise but also reinforces Kenya’s position as a leading hub for innovation in Africa.
“The quality and ambition of this year’s cohort reflect the rapid growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem,” said Wassim Chourbaji, Senior Vice President and President, Middle East and Africa at Qualcomm. “Startups across the continent, including Kenya, are leveraging advanced technologies to develop impactful, scalable solutions. We are proud to support this next generation of innovators as they move from concept to real-world application.”
The programme is implemented in partnership with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), further strengthening collaboration across Africa’s technology ecosystem and fostering cross-border innovation.
Zerobionic joins a diverse group of startups from across the continent, including innovators from Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and the Republic of the Congo. These companies are tackling challenges in sectors such as agriculture, water access, electric mobility, and smart infrastructure, areas considered critical to Africa’s sustainable development.
Participants in the programme will receive hands-on mentorship, engineering consultation, and access to advanced development tools, including product design guidance on Arduino AI platforms. They will also gain intellectual property training through initiatives such as L2Pro Africa, enabling them to better protect and commercialise their innovations.
At the programme’s finale, one startup will receive a Social Impact Fund grant under Qualcomm for Good, while all participants who successfully complete the programme will be eligible for a $5,000 stipend. Additional support includes assistance with patent filing, providing startups with the resources needed to transition from early-stage development to market-ready solutions.
Other startups in the 2026 cohort include Amperra Charging Company (Namibia), which is building AI-driven electric vehicle charging platforms; Anatsor Ltd (Nigeria), focused on digital poultry management systems; and SafeSip (Tanzania), which is developing smart water access solutions. Also featured are Sesi Technologies (Ghana), working on AI-powered cocoa quality assessment, and TWave Ltd (Uganda), which has created an automated solar-powered fish feeding system.
Mark your calendars! The GreenShift Sustainability Forum is back in Nairobi this August. Join innovators, policymakers & sustainability leaders for a breakfast forum as we explore sustainable solutions shaping the continent’s future. Limited slots – Get your early bird tickets now – here. Email info@techtrendsmedia.co.ke for partnership requests.
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