AFRISE Challenge 2026 for African Youth Entrepreneurs @Concordia University

Overview

Applications are open for the AFRISE Challenge 2026, a startup accelerator supporting young African entrepreneurs addressing social and economic challenges. Organized by Concordia University in partnership with Hindsight Ventures, the program aims to empower youth-led startups with mentorship, technical support, and global exposure.

Benefits

• Access to more than $600,000 in technology credits
• Participation in a 4-week intensive virtual accelerator program
• Mentorship from global founders, investors, and industry experts
• Exposure to international innovation ecosystems
• Opportunity to pitch solutions at a global Virtual Demo Day

Focus Areas

• Financial technology and digital financial services
• Health innovation and health technologies
• Agriculture and agritech solutions
• Energy and climate innovation
• Education technology
• Environmental sustainability solutions
• Telecommunications and creative industries

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages 18-35
• Entrepreneur or part of a startup team developing a scalable solution
• Building a solution that addresses social or economic challenges
• Located in one of the eligible African countries

Eligible Countries

• Nigeria
• Kenya
• Rwanda
• Ghana
• Senegal
• Morocco
• Uganda
• Côte d’Ivoire

How to Apply

Applicants can submit their application through the official program link.

Deadline

March 27, 2026