Fostering Deeptech Foundations In Africa
BRAIN (Bridging Research and Innovation) is a pioneering Pan-African initiative that holistically strengthens the foundations of Deep Tech across the continent through dissemination, acceleration, and connection.
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DISSEMINATION
ACCELERATION
CONNECTION
Inspire the community of scientists to increase their entrepreneurial intention
Accelerate high potential African Science-led Ventures
Connect the community through research, advocacy and talent exchange
TRUSTED BY
THE BRAIN ACCELERATOR
The BRAIN Accelerator is a one-year hybrid program designed to support seed stage DeepTech startups in Africa, with a particular focus on climate and health sectors. The program equips startups with the tools, network, and customized support needed to become market and investment-ready.
Applications are now open!
Startup Phase: Seed
Duration: 12 Months
Field: Deeptech
Location: Pan-African
Format: Hybrid
Number of cohorts: 4
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Access an Immersive Regional Bootcamp
Participate in an in-person training experience in South Africa alongside MIT executive MBA students and global experts, designed to provide intensive mentorship and ecosystem exposure.
Access Tailored Startup Support
Receive customized business and technical mentorship from international trainers and subject matter experts throughout the program.
Access International Immersion Opportunities
Unlock on-demand exposure trips to the US, France, and Africa, tailored to each startup’s strategic growth and expansion needs.
Access Global Talent Networks
Connect with top international talent from universities such as MIT, Ecole Polytechnique, and Telecom Paris to foster cross-border collaboration and innovation.
Access to Investors & Funding Support
Strengthen your fundraising readiness with expert guidance, pitching sessions, investor engagement, and deal preparation.
Access a Pan-African Innovation Community
Join the OST network of founders, experts, and ecosystem leaders committed to building DeepTech solutions with global impact.
BRAIN ACCELERATOR ELIGIBILITY
Your startup is incorporated in the African continent
You have a strong Deep Tech innovation based on a scientific research
Your startup is currently in and/or near an MVP stage
Your startup demonstrates a path towards intellectual property (IP)
Your startup demonstrates early traction or early deals
Your startup started securing initial grants, funds
Your startup is aimed to scale internationally
AFRICAN DEEPTECH RESOURCES
In commitment to its mission of nurturing deeptech foundations in Africa, Brain proudly presents valuable resources for the African deeptech community powered by Digital Africa in collaboration with esteemed partners: Explore our Pan-African roudntable white paper led by the Legatum Center of MIT, our African Deeptech Ecosystem Mapping Study Report and and Interactive Dashboard — essential tools aimed at fostering innovation across the continent.
Explore the insights of the white paper developed by the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT. This paper is based on discussions with over 40 experts from Africa, the US, and Europe, offering a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and providing recommendations and actionable steps to foster DeepTech growth in the African context
DeepTech Roundtable's White Paper - Pioneering Deeptech Frontiers in Africa
Explore the insights of the white paper developed by the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT. This paper is based on discussions with over 40 experts from Africa, the US, and Europe, offering a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and providing recommendations and actionable steps to foster DeepTech growth in the African context
Mapping the Deeptech Ecosystem in Africa - Report
Unlock insights into the evolving landscape of Deeptech in Africa. Dive into our comprehensive study report that charts the innovation and funding terrain, providing key findings and strategic recommendations for fostering the Deeptech revolution on the continent.
Interactive Dashboard - Mapping the Deeptech Ecosystem in Africa
Navigate the trends and innovations shaping Deeptech in Africa through our interactive dashboard. This tool offers a dynamic exploration of innovation and investment trends, providing valuable insights for decision-makers.
PROGRAM UPDATES
How to address Africa’s AI challenges, the BRAIN way
What will it take to scale up healthtech innovation in Africa?
Kicking Off the BRAIN Pan-African Bootcamp in SouthAfrica
