Africa Deep Tech Challenge 2025 ($20,000 in prizes)

Applications for the Africa Deep Tech Challenge 2025 are now open. The Africa Deep Tech Challenge is powered by Future Africa and in collaboration with Ilorin Tech Hub, CcHub, and IHS. The theme Resource-Constrained Computing is a pan-African challenge designed to spotlight and empower the next generation of innovators solving complex problems with limited resources. Whether it’s building AI models on edge devices, designing offline-first systems, decentralized compute or developing energy-efficient tech, this challenge invites you to rethink what’s possible when constraints inspire creativity.

Resource-constrained computing solutions focus on optimizing computational tasks when resources like power, memory, and processing capabilities are limited, often in devices like communication devices, sensors, and embedded systems. This isn’t just about code or hardware—it’s about the journey. They are looking for builders who can not only create solutions but also tell the story of how they solved for Africa’s unique infrastructural realities.

From agriculture to fintech, education to health, participants are encouraged to build in any domain—so long as your solution thrives under real-world constraints.

Prizes of Deep Tech Challenge

• First Prize:
  • $8,000 USD Equity-Free Grant
  • 2 Months of Tailored Mentorship
  • Direct Access to Investment Pipeline
  • Media Exposure + Feature Spotlights
  • Post-Challenge Support
• Second Prize:
  • $5,000 USD Equity-Free Grant
  • 2 Months of Tailored Mentorship
  • Direct Access to Investment Pipeline
  • Media Exposure + Feature Spotlights
  • Post-Challenge Support
• Third Prize:
  • $3,000 USD Equity-Free Grant
  • 2 Months of Tailored Mentorship
  • Direct Access to Investment Pipeline
  • Media Exposure + Feature Spotlights
  • Post-Challenge Support
• IHS Challenge Prize – Power Management Category:
  • $4,000 USD Equity-Free Grant
• Finalists (At Most 10):
  • Live demo opportunity during the finals
  • 1:1 mentorship with deep tech professionals
  • Professional documentation support
  • Access to partner network
• Semi-Finalists (At most 20):
  • Recognition certificate
  • Access to mentorship, workshops, and extended learning resources

Check : SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest 2025

Eligibility for Deep Tech Challenge

• Open to individuals or teams of up to 4 members.
• Participants must be aged 18 or older and reside in any of the listed African countries.
• No prior startup or funding status required—this challenge is for emerging innovators.
• All submissions must be the original work of the team.
• Teams can use open-source tools or libraries but must cite them clearly.

Selection Criteria

• Technical Implementation (30%): Functionality and performance in resource-constrained environments – Application and understanding of first principles – Code / Hardware quality and efficiency – Integration of complementary technologies – Effective use of limited computing resources
• Creative Problem-Solving (30%): Novel approaches to addressing constraints – Elegant solutions to complex problems – Innovative application of existing technologies – Adaptability to varying resource limitations
• Process Documentation (20%): Quality and comprehensiveness of development documentation – Clarity of thought process and decision-making – Evidence of learning and iteration – Transparency about challenges and solutions
• Tool Orchestration (10%): Effective use of AI and other tools in the development process – Strategic application of automation where appropriate – Balance between human creativity and AI assistance – Documentation of tool selection and usage
• Usability and Relevance (10%): Practical application in African contexts – User experience considerations – Potential for real-world impact – Scalability in resource-constrained environments

Application

You will be required to submit the following:

• A functional prototype or demo of your solution
• A comprehensive project report including:
  • Problem definition and context
  • Identified constraints (e.g. power, data, compute, connectivity)
  • Documentation of design alternatives and final decisions
  • Tools used (AI, IoT, etc.) and why they were chosen
  • Performance tests and benchmarks
  • Screenshots or short videos showing your build in action
• A short video (max 2 minutes) explaining your solution and development journey
• Updated documentation and video (if part of semi-final or final round)

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