Kenyan robotics startup Zerobionic has been selected among 10 companies for Qualcomm’s 2026 Make in Africa Mentorship Programme, the U.S. chipmaker said, highlighting the country’s growing presence in Africa’s deep technology sector.
Zerobionic is developing assistive robotics solutions aimed at improving independence for people with disabilities, targeting a gap in accessible technology across the continent.
Qualcomm said the fourth edition of the programme, part of its Africa Innovation Platform, drew more than 1,200 applications from over 45 countries. The initiative supports early-stage startups working on technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart systems and connected devices.
Startups in the cohort will receive mentorship, engineering support and training on intellectual property, with those completing the programme eligible for stipends of up to $5,000 and potential funding through Qualcomm’s social impact initiatives.
“The quality and ambition of this year’s cohort reflect the rapid growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem,” said Wassim Chourbaji, Qualcomm’s senior vice president and president for the Middle East and Africa.
The programme is run in partnership with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU). Other selected startups come from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and the Republic of the Congo.