If you're building a deep-tech startup in Africa and looking for funding, mentorship, and investor connections, this opportunity could be a great fit.
The Build Programme is now accepting applications for its latest cohort and is offering grant funding of up to €80,000 for promising African startups. The programme is designed for founders working on innovative technologies such as ClimateTech, Clean Energy, WaterTech, AI, IoT, Robotics, and other deep-tech solutions.
Beyond funding, selected startups will receive expert mentorship, business support, and access to investors to help them grow faster.
What Is The Build Programme?
The Build Programme is a funded accelerator that supports African deep-tech and hardware startups from the early stages of growth.
Many founders have strong technology but struggle to access the funding, guidance, and networks needed to turn their ideas into successful businesses. The Build Programme helps bridge that gap by providing practical support and connecting founders with experienced mentors and investors.
Top-performing startups can receive between €50,000 and €80,000 in grant funding, along with opportunities for future investment.
What Will Selected Startups Receive?
Successful applicants will gain access to:
✅ Grant funding of €50,000–€80,000
✅ Direct access to investors and fundraising support
✅ One-on-one mentorship from industry experts
✅ Pitch coaching and investor readiness training
✅ Business development and venture-building support
✅ Demo Day exposure and networking opportunities
✅ Strategic partnerships to support growth and scaling
For first-time founders, this combination of funding and hands-on support can be especially valuable when preparing for future fundraising and expansion.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is looking for startups that:
Are registered and operating in an African country
Are building deep-tech or hardware-based solutions
Have a working prototype or proof of concept
Are at the Pre-Seed or Seed stage
Are actively seeking funding and growth opportunities
If you're using technology, science, or engineering to solve real-world problems, you're encouraged to apply.
Focus Areas
The programme is particularly interested in startups working in:
ClimateTech
Clean Energy
Water Technology
Waste Management
Circular Economy
IoT and Smart Devices
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Robotics and Automation
Environmental Technologies
Industrial Innovation
Startups outside these sectors may still be considered if they are building impactful deep-tech or hardware innovations.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Raising funding for deep-tech startups can be challenging.
Unlike traditional software businesses, deep-tech companies often require more time, testing, research, and capital before reaching the market. As a result, many founders struggle to find investors who understand their technology and long-term vision.
The Build Programme addresses this challenge by combining:
Non-dilutive grant funding
Expert mentorship
Investor introductions
Business growth support
Networking opportunities
For startups looking to move from prototype to commercial success, this support can make a significant difference.
Key Details
Funding: €50,000–€80,000 Grant Funding
Startup Stage: Pre-Seed to Seed
Location: African Startups
Focus Areas: ClimateTech, AI, IoT, Clean Energy, WaterTech, Robotics, Circular Economy, Deep-Tech Hardware
Application Deadline: 15 June 2026
Programme Duration: August – November 2026
How To Apply
Applying is straightforward:
Review the programme requirements.
Prepare information about your startup and technology.
Complete the application form.
Submit your application before the deadline.
👉 Application Link: Click Here
Looking For More Funding Opportunities?
The Build Programme is just one of many opportunities available to startup founders.
At Fundizr, we help founders discover:
Grants
Accelerators
Incubators
Fellowships
Startup competitions
Investor programmes
Venture capital opportunities
All in one place.
More than 60,000 founders use Fundizr to stay informed about funding opportunities across industries including AI, ClimateTech, SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, DeepTech, and more.
Instead of spending hours searching online, founders can quickly find curated opportunities that match their startup stage, industry, and funding needs.
Final Thoughts
Building a deep-tech startup is never easy. It requires funding, persistence, technical expertise, and access to the right support network.
The Build Programme offers all of these in one package—grant funding, mentorship, investor access, and strategic guidance designed to help founders grow and scale.
If you're an African founder building innovative solutions in AI, IoT, ClimateTech, WaterTech, Clean Energy, Robotics, or other advanced technology sectors, this is an opportunity worth exploring before applications close.
Want more opportunities like this? Join 60,000+ founders on Fundizr and discover grants, accelerators, incubators, startup competitions, fellowships, and funding programmes from around the world. 🚀
