Written by Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), through its Industry Innovation Lab, has opened applications for the TechSkills Marketplace Program 2026—an initiative designed to connect African startups and MSMEs with top graduate talent from CMU-Africa. The program supports businesses seeking innovative solutions to real-world technology challenges, while empowering students with practical, industry-focused experience.
About the Program
The TechSkills Marketplace Program pairs startups with CMU-Africa graduate students who specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, software engineering, and product development. Through this collaboration, participating companies gain access to technical expertise that can accelerate innovation, strengthen digital capabilities, and enhance product development. The program also contributes to Africa’s broader digital transformation agenda by enabling hands-on problem-solving within local ecosystems.
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to:
- Registered and operational startups or MSMEs based in Africa
- Businesses with a clear product, service, or business model under development
- Organizations willing to co-fund the internship
- Teams able to host and mentor interns on technology-driven projects (e.g., AI systems, digital platforms, product design, data solutions)
- Companies open to remote or hybrid collaboration models
Key Program Dates
- 1 December 2025 – Application deadline
- January–February 2026 – Selection period
- March–May 2026 – Matching and onboarding
- June 2026 – Internships commence
Benefits of Participation
Participating startups and MSMEs gain access to:
- Highly skilled CMU-Africa graduate interns equipped with advanced technical capabilities
- A co-funded internship model, with CMU-Africa covering a portion of the stipend
- Increased visibility and networking opportunities within the Industry Innovation Lab community
- Support to scale technology-driven products and solutions
How to Apply
Eligible businesses can submit their applications via the TechSkills Marketplace portal on the CMU-Africa website. The application window is open from 1 November to 1 December 2025.