A Kenyan startup, Zerobionic, has been selected as part of the 2026 cohort of Qualcomm’s Make in Africa Mentorship Programme.
Zerobionic is developing assistive robotics solutions aimed at improving independence and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Its selection places it among 10 startups chosen from more than 1,200 applications spanning over 45 countries.
The Make in Africa programme falls under the Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform. This initiative designed to support early-stage startups working on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart systems and connected solutions.
Participants in the program will benefit from mentorship, engineering advice and business training. All these aredesigned to help them grow and bring their innovations to market. The participants will also get support for their intellectual property. Startups will have access to a range of tools and resources that include product design assistance and educational platforms focused on IP.
At the end of the programme, participating startups will be eligible for funding opportunities through Qualcomm’s social impact initiatives. They will also receive stipends of up to $5,000 upon successful completion of the programme, as well as support for patent filing.
“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.”
The programme is implemented in partnership with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU).
Other startups in the 2026 cohort come from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, working across sectors such as agriculture, water access, electric mobility, and smart infrastructure.
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Also Read: How Zero Bionic is Innovating in Assistive Technology for a More Inclusive Future
