Three Tunisian Startups Shortlisted for Qualcomm's "Make in Africa 2025" Program
Three innovative Tunisian startups have been selected among the top 10 finalists for the prestigious Qualcomm Make in Africa 2025 program, highlighting the country's growing potential in the deep tech sector.
Key Details
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. recently announced the 10 startups from across Africa shortlisted for its second edition of the "Qualcomm Make in Africa" program, specifically focused on the Artificial Intelligence and hardware innovation sectors. Out of the 10 finalists, three hail from Tunisia: Hec-Kel Technology, Ibtikar, and NextGen Innov.
The program aims to empower early-stage startups by providing technical expertise, business mentorship, and potential funding opportunities to help them develop innovative products and solutions using Qualcomm's technologies. The selection process for the 2025 cohort focused on startups demonstrating strong technical capabilities and promising use cases in AI and hardware across various industries.
The Tunisian Shortlist
The three Tunisian startups selected represent diverse areas within the tech landscape:
Hec-Kel Technology: Focuses on creating advanced technological solutions.
Ibtikar: An innovation-driven company specializing in specific tech applications (details from the source were brief, focusing on its presence in the list).
NextGen Innov: Concentrates on developing next-generation innovative solutions.
Their inclusion in this highly competitive program is a testament to the quality and potential of Tunisia's startup ecosystem in developing cutting-edge hardware and AI applications.
Implications for the MENA Region
The strong representation of Tunisia in the Qualcomm Make in Africa 2025 shortlist underscores the increasing momentum in the North African tech scene, particularly in areas like AI and embedded systems. Such programs provide crucial global exposure, technical resources, and potential investment pathways, which are vital for scaling deep tech ventures originating from the MENA region onto the international stage. This success can inspire other startups in Tunisia and neighboring countries to pursue hardware and AI-focused innovations.
About the Qualcomm Make in Africa 2025 Program
The Qualcomm Make in Africa program is an initiative by Qualcomm Technologies designed to identify and support promising technology startups across the African continent. It provides participants with access to Qualcomm's resources, including technical training, mentorship from industry experts, and potential commercialization opportunities. The program specifically targets startups working on innovative hardware and AI-driven solutions, aiming to foster local technological development and entrepreneurship. The 2025 edition is the second iteration of this program.
Looking Ahead
The 10 shortlisted startups, including the three from Tunisia, will now participate in further stages of the program. This typically involves receiving tailored support to accelerate their product development, refining their business models, and preparing them for potential future investments and market entry leveraging Qualcomm's ecosystem and technologies. Their progress will be closely watched as they represent a significant step forward for African, and specifically Tunisian, innovation in the hardware and AI sectors.
Source: Leaders