Global technology leader Qualcomm has announced the successful conclusion of its third annual ‘Made in Africa’ (QMIA) mentorship program, with three Tunisian startups securing coveted spots among the ten finalists. The selection of AmalXR, Ecobees, and Pixii Motors underscores Tunisia’s growing prowess in developing cutting-edge technology solutions for pressing global challenges.
The equity-free program is a key initiative under the broader Qualcomm Innovate in Africa platform, designed to nurture the continent’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Qualcomm’s Commitment to African Innovation
The QMIA program focuses on accelerating the growth of early-stage tech startups that leverage advanced technologies such as AI, 4G/5G, robotics, and IoT. Participants receive tailored mentorship, targeted business coaching, specialized engineering consultancy, and comprehensive guidance on intellectual property protection. This holistic support empowers founders to transform their innovative ideas into sustainable, market-ready solutions.
“This year’s cohort has demonstrated incredible ingenuity, turning complex challenges into scalable, tech-driven solutions that will drive socioeconomic impact across the continent,” said Elizabeth Miguella, Vice President of International Government Affairs at Qualcomm.
“Innovation is the driving force behind Africa’s future, and this year’s startups are a shining example of that,” said John Omo, Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU). “The ATU is proud to partner with Qualcomm on the ‘Made in Africa’ program. We’re aligning spectrum management policies, regional standards, and open data practices, but we know true progress depends on broad-based support.”
Spotlight on Tunisia’s Innovators
The three Tunisian finalists represent diverse and high-impact sectors, from digital health to sustainable agriculture and clean mobility.
- AmalXR: This HealthTech startup provides AI-powered virtual rehabilitation sessions on everyday devices, enabling seamless progress tracking for both patients and doctors.
- Ecobees: Addressing critical environmental concerns, Ecobees builds smart beehive monitoring devices and a digital platform that delivers real-time insights into hive health, aiming to protect bees and the crops that depend on them.
- Pixii Motors: This mobility startup is designing electric scooters with swappable smart batteries available at local stations, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation.
A Pan-African Cohort of Changemakers
The 2025 cohort featured a total of ten startups from Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, Benin, and Senegal. While all finalists will receive financial grants to accelerate their growth, Kenyan AgriTech startup Farmer Lifeline was announced as the winner of the 2025 ‘Wireless Reach’ Social Impact Fund.
Farmer Lifeline deploys small, solar-powered devices that scan fields for pests and diseases, sending alerts directly to farmers’ phones. As the winner, the startup will receive dedicated funding and tailored technical support to scale its pioneering solution.
“Farmer Lifeline stood out for their innovative, solar-powered small devices that scan fields for pests and diseases. This technology empowers local farmers to effectively protect their crops, significantly increasing yields and improving food security,” stated Erica Ciaraldi, Vice President of ‘Wireless Reach’ at Qualcomm.
About Qualcomm Made in Africa
The Qualcomm ‘Made in Africa’ program is an annual, equity-free mentorship initiative aimed at empowering early-stage technology startups across the continent. It provides comprehensive support including business coaching, engineering expertise, and IP protection to help founders develop and scale solutions in critical sectors like healthcare, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and mobility. This year’s program attracted over 400 applications from 19 countries, with applications for the 2026 cohort now open on the Qualcomm website.
Source: Leaders
