Zerobionic Joins Qualcomm 2026 Africa cohort

Zerobionic has earned continental recognition after being selected among ten innovators for the 2026 cohort of Qualcomm’s Make in Africa Mentorship Programme. The milestone highlights Kenya’s growing influence within Africa’s deep technology ecosystem and reinforces the country’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge innovation addressing real-world challenges.

Based in Nairobi, Zerobionic is developing assistive robotics solutions aimed at improving independence and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Its selection underscores the rising demand for accessible, impact-driven technologies across the continent, as well as the ability of African startups to leverage advanced engineering to solve critical societal needs. The recognition positions Zerobionic among a new wave of innovators redefining how technology can drive inclusion and social impact.

The Make in Africa programme, now in its fourth year, is part of Qualcomm’s broader Africa Innovation Platform, designed to support early-stage startups in fields such as artificial intelligence, smart systems, and connected technologies. Through the programme, selected startups gain access to mentorship, engineering expertise, business training, and intellectual property support, enabling them to refine and scale their solutions for broader market adoption.

Zerobionic’s inclusion is particularly significant given the scale and competitiveness of the selection process, with over 1,200 applications received from more than 45 African countries. The programme, implemented in partnership with the African Telecommunications Union, brings together a diverse cohort of startups tackling challenges across sectors including agriculture, water access, electric mobility, and smart infrastructure—key pillars for Africa’s sustainable development.

As the programme progresses, participants will benefit from hands-on support, access to advanced development tools, and opportunities for funding, including potential grants and stipends. For Zerobionic, this opportunity not only accelerates its growth trajectory but also reinforces Kenya’s leadership in innovation, showcasing how local startups are contributing to a more inclusive, technologically advanced future across Africa.