Congratulations to the Winner of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech!
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing is now open for registration!

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing

This prize calls on established companies in Africa revolutionizing manufacturing value chains in emerging markets by leveraging AI and other emerging technologies. This prize offers $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize. Participating companies will also gain access to exclusive networking and the opportunity to pitch to industry leaders and key decision-makers. 

If your company is using AI and advanced data analytics to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver scalable impact – this is your moment. We’re looking for tech-powered solutions ready to drive job creation, unlock commercial growth, and ignite breakthroughs across the globe.  

The winning team will demonstrate a scalable innovation across manufacturing value chains that leverages AI to deliver measurable impact in efficiency and waste loss. Teams will be evaluated on commercial viability, technological integration, operational economics, and market scalability in Africa.  

We are seeking companies:  

  • 2+ years in operation 
  • Series A+ in funding  
  • Operating in Africa’s manufacturing sector 
  • Advancing workforce and job growth 

The Grand Prize winner will be awarded and celebrated in May 2026. 

2 B+
Expected Population in Africa in 2050
8 -20x
Multiplier effect for each manufacturing job created
$ 1 .5T
Projected economic increase of industry 4.0 or 10% of AI market

How to Win

Award Rounds

Application Submission & Semi-Finalist Announcement

Teams submit their designs and business models. An independent panel of expert judges will select 20 teams to advance in the competition to be semi-finalists. Each semi-finalist team will then receive $20,000 to test their ideas.

Pitch Event & Finalist Announcement

Semi-Finalists will pitch their innovations to industry leaders and decision-makers. A panel of judges will select five teams to advance as Finalists and receive $30,000 each.

Grand Prize Submission & Announcement

Finalist companies will submit materials for the grand prize submission (as outlined in the rules). The winning team will receive $1 million, the runner-up will receive a $250,000 Runner-Up prize, and a team will receive $100,000 for the Most Advanced Use of 4IR.

Prize Timeline