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.
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.
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.
Program Updates
Get in contact
brain@open-startup.org