Engineering News: Milken-Motsepe launches $2m Africa AI, manufacturing challenge

Segun Atanda, Johannesburg, South Africa/ Ten pioneering companies from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas have been named semi-finalists in the prestigious Milken-Motsepe Prize in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Manufacturing, a global competition awarding $2 million (₦2.99billion) to accelerate next-generation industrial solutions. The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation announced that each semi-finalist will receive $50,000 (₦74,699,500) in unrestricted funding to advance their projects. Their innovations, which tackle challenges from waste recycling and food preservation to clean energy, digital manufacturing, and inclusive production, will be presented at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi on December 4–5, 2025. From the pitch event, five finalists will be selected to compete for the $1 million (₦1.49 billion) grand prize at the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles. Other awards include a $250,000 (₦373,497,500) runner-up prize and a $100,000 (₦149,399,000) recognition for the most advanced use of

The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation have announced the 10 teams advancing to the semifinalist stage of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing. Each of the selected teams will receive $50,000 in unrestricted funding to support their efforts in driving inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Africa. The semifinalists will showcase their innovations at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, set to take place on December 4–5, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In total, $2 million in prizes will be awarded, alongside opportunities for global visibility, mentorship, and investor connections. The competition highlights companies that are reshaping Africa’s manufacturing value chains through artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. According to projections, AI could add nearly $3 trillion to Africa’s economy between 2024 and 2033. The prize specifically targets established, scalable companies with at least two years of operations in Africa, Series A+ traction, and a commitment

Milken Institute to award total of $2 million to 10 companies revolutionizing next-generation manufacturing solutions From the semifinalist stage to beyond the prize, we are excited to provide a global platform and network for future-forward entrepreneurs and social impact companies JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 25, 2025/APO Group/ –The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation (https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/) announced the 10 teams advancing to the semifinalist round of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing (https://apo-opa.co/4pL1QFg), with each team receiving $50,000 in unrestricted funding to drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Africa. Read the full article here.