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Launch Base Africa: Billionaire-Funded Program Offers $2m Equity-Free to African AI & Manufacturing Startups

A new $2m equity-free prize programme, backed by South African billionaire Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the Milken Institute, is putting AI and manufacturing at the centre of Africa’s tech ambitions.

Announced at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing is the fourth and most ambitious iteration of a growing innovation challenge series focused on solving Africa’s structural challenges through technology. This time, the focus is squarely on artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing — areas that have so far seen only limited African participation despite their global momentum.

Read the full article here.

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

Development think tank the Milken Institute and philanthropy organisation the Motsepe Foundation have announced the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing. The challenge calls on entrepreneurs worldwide to deploy AI, data analytics and smart-factory technologies that can localise production, reinforce supply chain resilience and create high-quality jobs across Africa.   The challenge will award $2-million in total, including a $1-million grand prize, and seeks breakthrough solutions that, in combination, can harness advanced technologies to optimise production, reduce waste and localise value chains. It is also looking for solutions that encourage models that promote equitable access to essential goods, such as healthcare, food processing, affordable construction materials, as well as solutions that unlock job creation and export potential across African economies. Read the full article here.

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July 2, 2025
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ICTWorks: Apply Now: $2 Million for African AI Ideas for 4th Industrial Revolution

In 2025, global spending on goods and services is expected to surpass $5 trillion, making manufacturing one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. Manufacturing also generates up to 20 additional jobs per role, absorbs large labor pools, and attracts long-term investment. Subscribe Now for More Funding Opportunities! As digital advancements continue to reshape our world, manufacturing is entering a new era of innovation – powered by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. AI, robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing, and other emerging technologies are transforming business as usual. Strategic investments in manufacturing have never been more critical. Emerging technologies and AI can unlock transformative growth, fuel technological breakthroughs, and build long-term economic resilience. $2 Million: African AI Ideas for 4th Industrial Revolution The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program is calling on bold innovators revolutionizing manufacturing value chains in African markets. Read the full article here.

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July 2, 2025
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iAfrica: $2M Prize Fund Seeks African AI Innovations in Manufacturing

Global spending on goods and services is projected to exceed $5 trillion in 2025, with manufacturing among the fastest-growing sectors. The industry creates up to 20 jobs per role, supports large labor pools, and draws long-term investment. As digital technologies reshape global markets, manufacturing is evolving through the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by AI, robotics, nanotech, and 3D printing. Strategic investment in these innovations is essential to unlocking growth and building economic resilience. To support this transformation, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program is offering $2 million to innovators improving African manufacturing value chains through AI. The top prize is $1 million for scalable solutions that boost efficiency and reduce waste.   Read the full article by Sean Whitehead here.

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July 2, 2025

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