Jump Shot 2026 is a pan-African, three-month virtual accelerator designed to support and scale impact-driven startups solving critical social and environmental challenges across the continent. This joint initiative by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) offers equity-free funding and global exposure.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Virtual Accelerator Program & Pitch Competition
- For: Market-ready, impact-driven startups in 12 eligible African countries
- Key Benefits: USD 160,000 equity-free cash prize pool, Mentorship, and U.S. exposure
- Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
- Location: Remote (Virtual Accelerator)
Accelerator Program Overview
Jump Shot 2026 (Jumpshot 2.0) is an entrepreneurship program and three-month virtual accelerator focused on identifying and accelerating high-potential startups. The program targets ventures addressing social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and inclusive growth in Africa. Participants receive strategic mentorship and access to resources to strengthen their business models, culminating in a final evaluation and awards process.
Key Benefits
- Equity-Free Funding: A total prize pool of USD 160,000 distributed among six winners:
- 1st Prize: USD 50,000
- 2nd Prize: USD 40,000
- 3rd Prize: USD 30,000
- 4th Prize: USD 20,000
- 5th & 6th Prize: USD 10,000 each
- Global Exposure: The top winner will attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA) 2026 and participate in a U.S. exposure experience.
- Mentorship & Networking: Access to expert guidance, decision-makers, and corporate partners eager to support African innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
- Geographic Focus: Must be legally registered and operating in one of the following 12 countries: Morocco, Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, Cameroon, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Business Stage: Startups must be “beyond prototype” with a product live in-market.
- Traction: Must demonstrate measurable traction, such as revenue, paid pilots, contracts, or active user adoption.
- Impact: Solutions must address a clear social or environmental problem for a defined user group.
- Diversity: Women-led startups and diverse founding teams are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Dates and Schedule
- March 13, 2026: Applications open
- March 30, 2026: Application deadline
- May 1, 2026: Finalists selected and notified
- June 15–17, 2026: Bootcamp Challenge and Winners Announcement
- September – November 2026: Three-month virtual acceleration program
How to Apply
To apply, entrepreneurs must complete the online application on the Startgate platform, providing company registration details, traction metrics, and proof of social or environmental impact.
- Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
- Apply Here: Jump Shot 2026 Application Portal
About NBPA and UM6P
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional NBA players. Its Foundation supports global initiatives that drive positive change through social entrepreneurship. University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) is a Moroccan institution focused on research and innovation to solve African and global challenges, empowering the next generation of African talent.
Learn More: STARTGATE
