Applications have opened for the US$2 million Milken-Motsepe Prize, a global competition aimed at supporting African companies using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform manufacturing across the continent.
The initiative, backed by the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, seeks innovations that can boost efficiency, cut waste, and create jobs in emerging markets.
The Grand Prize winner will receive US$1 million, while additional awards will be shared among other top teams.
According to the organisers, the challenge is designed to “unlock commercial growth and ignite breakthroughs across the globe,” with companies also gaining access to exclusive networking opportunities and the chance to pitch their solutions to industry leaders.
About Milken-Mostepe Prize Program
The Milken‑Motsepe Prize Program, launched in 2021 by the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, is an annual innovation competition that funds African entrepreneurs using technology to solve pressing challenges.
Since inception, it has run prize cycles in AgriTech, Green Energy, FinTech, and now AI & Manufacturing, awarding over US $6 million to more than 50 innovators, with winners such as NovFeed (AgriTech), Aftrak (Green Energy), and Verto (FinTech) each receiving US $1 million Grand Prizes.
The program has attracted nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs from over 120 countries, with semifinalists receiving seed grants to develop prototypes, and winners later raising nearly 10 times the prize money in follow‑on investments.
Beyond funding, it offers mentorship, networking, and global visibility, positioning it as one of Africa’s most impactful platforms for scaling homegrown tech solutions across key industries.
Driving Impact with AI
The competition is looking for technologies that can deliver measurable improvements across manufacturing value chains.
Organisers say winning solutions will be judged on commercial viability, technological integration, operational economics, and market scalability in Africa.
“If your company is using AI and advanced data analytics to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver scalable impact, this is your moment,” the organisers said.
Opportunities Beyond Funding
Beyond prize money, shortlisted participants will gain high-level visibility and access to investors, industry mentors, and policy decision-makers.
This, the Milken Institute notes, will help ensure that innovations do not remain prototypes but are deployed at scale, benefiting African industries and economies.
Requirements, Guidelines and Deadline for Applications
The call for entries is now open, with submissions due by July 31.
Interested teams must demonstrate not only technological innovation but also the capacity to make their solutions practical and profitable in Africa’s dynamic manufacturing sector.
Application requirements, and guidelines for interested companies can be accessed here.
Talking Points
The Milken-Motsepe Prize represents a powerful opportunity for young African tech professionals and innovators who often face steep barriers to funding and recognition.
With a US$2 million prize pool, including a US$1 million Grand Prize, it offers not just financial support but also international visibility and access to industry leaders and investors, helping transform promising ideas into scalable businesses.
For many early-stage innovators working with limited resources, this kind of backing serves as vital seed capital to prove commercial viability, create jobs, and drive meaningful change in Africa’s manufacturing sector.
Beyond the money, the competition validates the efforts and ambitions of young dreamers, keeping hope alive in a landscape where pursuing tech innovation can often feel like a high-risk gamble.
