Written by Applications are open for the 2026 UNDP timbuktoo Pan-African MineTech Startup Incubation Programme, an initiative supporting young innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs developing technology-based solutions to challenges in mining and mineral exploration across Africa.
The programme brings together the timbuktoo MineTech Hub, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ecosystem partners in Botswana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Participants will work on real-world industry challenges, developing their ideas into validated solutions and prototypes with support from technical experts, universities and mining-sector stakeholders.
You do not need an established company or a finished product to apply. A clearly defined problem and an initial technology-based solution idea are enough to get started.
- What Solutions Are They Looking For?
- Who Can Apply?
- Benefits of the Programme
- Programme Structure
- Application Deadline
- How to Apply
What Solutions Are They Looking For?
The programme focuses on accessible, cost-effective and locally relevant technologies that improve how mineral resources are identified, analysed and targeted.
Areas of interest include:
- Mineral exploration and geological data.
- Remote sensing and surveying.
- Geophysical and geochemical technologies.
- Mineral identification and analysis.
- Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.
Solutions may involve hardware, software or a combination of both.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must form multidisciplinary teams that meet the following requirements:
- Team size: 2–5 members.
- Age: All team members must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Eligible countries: Botswana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia or Zimbabwe.
- Residency: All team members must be based in the same eligible country.
- Background: Students, recent graduates, researchers, engineers, technical professionals, innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs are welcome.
- Skills: Teams must bring complementary expertise across at least two relevant disciplines, such as computer science, data science, mining engineering, geomatics or software engineering.
- Project idea: Teams must identify a clear mining or mineral exploration challenge and propose an initial technology-based solution.
- Identification: Each team member must provide valid national identification.
A registered company or completed prototype is not required. Female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the Programme
Selected teams will have access to:
- Technical mentorship from experts, universities and mining-sector practitioners.
- Industry engagement to validate solutions against real user needs.
- Prototype development support through UniPods and MineTech Hub facilities.
- Entrepreneurship training covering business models, market validation and commercialisation.
- Networking with mining companies, researchers, investors and innovation organisations.
- Potential seed funding to develop low-fidelity prototypes and proof-of-concept solutions.
- Intellectual property guidance for selected team leaders.
- Potential progression to the MineTech Hub incubation programme for high-potential teams.
Programme Structure
The programme begins with a 10-week validation and pre-incubation phase, during which teams test their ideas, validate user needs and assess their business potential.
Successful teams may progress through pitching and selection, concept development, prototyping and technical review. Delivery combines online workshops with hands-on development at participating UniPods.
Application Deadline
October 16, 2026
How to Apply
Interested teams should review the official programme information and complete the application form.