The CMU-Africa Industry Innovation Lab has officially opened applications for the TechSkills Marketplace Program 2026, a unique initiative designed to connect African startups with talented graduate students from Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa). This program helps startups accelerate digital innovation while providing students with hands-on experience solving real technical challenges.
Applications close on December 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM (CAT).
About the TechSkills Marketplace Program
The TechSkills Marketplace Program offers startups access to skilled CMU-Africa interns with expertise across software engineering, AI, data science, product development, digital platforms, system enhancement, and innovation-driven technology solutions.
Startups participating in the program will collaborate with highly trained graduate students to develop impactful projects that support Africa’s growing technology ecosystem.
Key benefits include:
- Access to high-performing CMU-Africa graduate interns
- A co-funded internship model, where startups only contribute 20% of the stipend (equivalent to $100/month per intern)
- Opportunities to scale digital products and services
- Visibility and integration into CMU-Africa’s broad Innovation Hub network
- The chance to mentor future tech leaders while solving real-world challenges
Also Apply For: LIONS Scholarship Programme 2026 – Fully Paid
Eligibility Criteria
Startups applying to join the program must:
- Be registered and operational in Africa
- Have a clear business model or product in development
- Provide technology or digital innovation–focused projects, such as AI solutions, product design, data systems, digital platform development, etc.
- Be willing to co-fund 20% of the internship stipend
- Commit to active mentorship, collaboration, and supervision
- Support remote, hybrid, or in-person engagement models with CMU-Africa interns
All information submitted is kept confidential and used only for evaluating eligibility.
Important Dates
- Applications open: November 1, 2025
- Applications close: December 1, 2025
- Selection period: January–February 2026
- Matching & onboarding: March–May 2026
- Internships begin: June 2026
Startups can apply through the official application portal provided by CMU-Africa’s Innovation Hub.
Why Startups Should Apply
Participating in the TechSkills Marketplace Program gives startups the chance to:
- Build innovative products with expert talent
- Reduce development costs through a co-funded model
- Expand visibility within Africa’s innovation ecosystem
- Engage with CMU-Africa’s network of industry partners
- Contribute to Africa’s digital transformation by empowering emerging tech talent
Startups with questions can visit the TechSkills Marketplace Program.
