This prize calls on established companies in Africa revolutionizing manufacturing value chains 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:
The Grand Prize winner will be awarded and celebrated in May 2026.
The application for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing has closed. Semifinalists will be announced late September 2025.
Teams submit their designs and business models. Ten teams will advance in the prize as semifinalists and receive $50,000.
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.
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.
Based in Cameroon
Team Lead: Juveline Ngum Ngwa
A waste management company that uses AI and specialized software to rapidly identify, collect, and convert waste into high-value inputs such as engineered recycled polymers, 3D printing filaments, and bio-based carbon materials.
Based in South Africa
Team Lead: Ridwaan Seedat
An industrial intelligence technology and advisory company providing production intelligence solutions for machine builders and manufacturers.
Based in UK
Team Lead: Ayan Mohamed
An AI and robotics company developing robotic systems and industrial automation platforms to modernize warehouse and fulfillment operations across industries.
Based in Tanzania
Team Lead: Editha Mshiu
A cold-storage solution company pioneering AI-powered cooling innovation to reduce food waste for Africa’s informal markets.
Based in South Africa
Team Lead: Songo Didiza
A tech-enabled advisory firm offering climate-smart infrastructure solutions and energy optimization strategies for real estate and manufacturing clusters.
Based in Egypt
Team Lead: Ahmed Nounou
An industrial digitization company transforming labor-intensive manufacturing floors into AI-powered, data-driven environments to boost productivity and drive real-time quality improvements.
Based in UAE
Team Lead: Kaushik Burman
This company provides accessible and affordable mobility solutions through manufacturing innovative, eco-friendly electric transportation.
Based in USA
Team Lead: Nneile Nkholise
An AI-powered software platform that provides real-time energy monitoring, forecasting, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance insights to help industrial facilities become insurable, resilient, and grid-conscious.
Based in India
Team Lead: Hunny Bhagchandani
A social-tech enterprise that designs and manufactures affordable, AI-powered assistive technologies to empower persons with disabilities with mobility, literacy, and digital independence.
Based in Rwanda
Team Lead: Faith Waraga
An AI-driven circular textile manufacturing platform empowering women-led tailoring cooperatives to produce reusable hygiene products, such as diapers and period pants, at scale.
