Fostering Deeptech
Foundations In Africa

BRAIN (Bridding Research And Innovation) is a Pan-African program with the goal of bolstering the DeepTech ecosystem in Africa through a holistic modular approach by enabling scientist-entrepreneurs who are solving fundamental challenges to access world-class opportunities and ressources.

This initiative is operated by Open Startup in partnership with Africa Grow, Digital Africa, Africinvest and MIT Africa

Startup Phase: Poc to MVP

Duration: 18 weeks

Field: Deeptech

Location: Pan-African

Format: Hybrid

Number of cohorts: 3

Trusted by

Program Overview

The program, conducted by Open Startup International in partnership with MIT Legatum Center, MIT Executive MBAs and MIT Africa supports 20 Pan-African Deep Tech startups to join a 1-week regional bootcamp in Cairo, Egypt, co-developed with experts from MIT and the African innovation ecosystem to benefit from tailored mentorship and support while competing to be among the finalist teams who will have immersion visits in different ecosystems and get the opportunity to win a 50K USD cash prize

BRAIN News 🎉

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.

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

Program Benefits

Holistic Educational Curriculum Grounded in Practice and Developed by MIT Experts

BRAIN offers a comprehensive educational curriculum crafted by experts from MIT, one of the world's leading universities. This hands-on program ensures that scientist-entrepreneurs receive practical, cutting-edge knowledge to enhance their deep tech innovations.

Tailored Mentoring and Networking with Different Ecosystem Experts

Participants benefit from personalized mentorship and networking opportunities with experts from diverse ecosystems. This tailored support not only guides startups in refining their strategies but also connects them with invaluable industry insights and networks.

International Exposure through Immersive Visits to US, France, and Africa

The program provides international exposure through immersive visits to key innovation hubs in the US, France, and Africa. This firsthand experience allows the 8 pre-selected startups to gain insights, establish global connections, and adapt their solutions to diverse market needs.

Matching with Talents

BRAIN facilitates the matching of scientist-entrepreneurs with talents crucial for the success of their deep tech startups. This strategic matchmaking ensures that startups have access to the right skills and expertise needed to overcome challenges and drive innovation.

Investor Matching and Soft Landing Opportunities

Participants receive support in connecting with potential investors and exploring soft landing opportunities. This opens doors for funding, partnerships, and strategic alliances, essential elements for scaling deep tech innovations in the competitive market.

Cash Prizes up to $50K

BRAIN offers a significant incentive with cash prizes of up to $50,000. This financial support serves as a powerful catalyst for the winning startups, providing them with resources to further develop and scale their deep tech solutions, ultimately contributing to the success and sustainability of their ventures.

BRAIN Team

Yesmine Mansar

BRAIN Program Manager

Yesmine Mansar

BRAIN Program Manager

Mejda Elheni

BRAIN Program Officer

Mejda Elheni

BRAIN Program Officer

Get in contact

brain@open-startup.org

We are social