Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2027

The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2027 is one of Africa's leading innovation competitions, supporting ambitious entrepreneurs from Sub-Saharan Africa who have developed engineering-based solutions to address sustainable development challenges.

The programme accelerates early-stage startups through an eight-month business development journey that includes tailored training, technical and business mentoring, communications support, investor exposure, and access to the Royal Academy of Engineering's global network. Selected innovators will also participate in fully funded training sessions in the United Kingdom and Africa and compete for prizes totaling £85,000.

Agritech, climate-tech, food systems, aquaculture, renewable energy, digital agriculture, precision farming, irrigation, post-harvest technology, agricultural mechanization, and other engineering-driven agrifood startups are strongly encouraged to apply. The programme is particularly suited to innovators developing practical technologies that improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, increase climate resilience, reduce post-harvest losses, enhance value addition, or promote sustainable natural resource management across Africa.

While the competition is open to engineering innovations from all sectors, founders building scalable technologies that transform Africa's agrifood systems are encouraged to seize this opportunity to access world-class mentorship, international exposure, strategic partnerships, and funding to accelerate their impact and growth.

Benefits

• Eight-month business acceleration programme
• Two fully funded training weeks (UK and Africa)
• One-on-one engineering and business mentorship
• Communications and media support
• Access to investors and industry experts
• Networking with Royal Academy of Engineering partners
• Final showcase event
• Prize fund totaling £85,000
• Individual prizes ranging from £5,000 to £50,000