Call for Entries: Africa Deep Tech Challenge

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.

Join them to build groundbreaking, efficient, and scalable technologies that could shape the future of computing in Africa—and beyond. The most compelling innovators will get funding, mentorship, and access to a pipeline of deep tech investment opportunities.

Funding Information

• 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

Eligibility Criteria

• 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.
• You agree to the Challenge Participation Agreement.

Judging Criteria

• Technical Implementation
  • Functionality and performance in resource-constrained environments
  • Application and understanding of first principles
  • Code/Hardware quality and efficiency
  • Integration of complementary deep technologies
  • Effective use of limited computing resources
• Creative Problem-Solving
  • Novel approaches to addressing constraints
  • Elegant solutions to complex problems
  • Innovative application of existing technologies
  • Adaptability to varying resource limitations
• Process Documentation
  • 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
  • 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
• Relevance to African Context
  • Practical application in African contexts
  • User experience considerations
  • Potential for real-world impact
  • Scalability in resource-constrained environments

Application Requirements

• A working prototype that addresses a real-world challenge using resource-constrained computing principles (e.g., limited power, low compute, offline functionality).
• A comprehensive documentation package including:
  • Problem definition and identified constraints
  • Alternative design explorations and final decisions
  • Tools and technologies used (especially AI, IoT, ML, etc.)
  • Technical implementation details and performance benchmarks
  • Screenshots or short video walkthroughs of the development process
  • Final video presentation (max 2 mins) demonstrating the solution and journey
• Semi-finalists and finalists will be required to submit updated documentation and enhanced versions of their solutions.

For more information, visit Devpost.