The Royal Academy of Engineering has opened applications for the 2027 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, inviting engineering entrepreneurs from sub-Saharan Africa to compete for funding, mentorship and business support.
Now in its 13th cycle, the programme is designed to support innovators developing engineering-based solutions to local challenges while helping them move their businesses closer to commercial success.
Participants selected for the programme will also complete an eight-month business acceleration programme before the final pitch event.
Benefits for Participation
- An eight-month commercialisation programme focused on building and scaling their businesses.
- One-on-one mentoring from engineering, business and industry experts within the Royal Academy of Engineering’s network.
- Training in areas such as financial management, communication, market analysis and business development.
- Access to networking opportunities with investors, entrepreneurs and engineering leaders across Africa and the UK.
- A chance to compete for a share of £85,000 in prize funding, including £50,000 for the overall winner, £10,000 each for three runners-up and £5,000 for the One-to-Watch Award.
Eligibility for Participation
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a citizen of, and currently living in, a sub-Saharan African country.
- Be fluent in English.
- Be leading an engineering innovation that is in the early stages of commercialisation.
- Present a clear business plan showing how the innovation can grow.
- Submit a working prototype with evidence of customer interest for hardware innovations, or a functional minimum viable product with user traction for software and app-based solutions.
- Provide supporting documents, including a letter of endorsement, a technical schematic and an image of the innovation.
How to Apply
Stage one focuses on the applicant, the engineering solution and technical viability. Successful applicants will then be invited to complete a second-stage application covering business strategy, market opportunity, financial projections and commercialisation plans.
Applications will close on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at 4:00 p.m. UTC+1. Late submissions will not be considered.
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