Call For Applications: Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing ($2 million in prizes)

This prize calls on established companies in Africa revolutionizing manufacturing value chains in emerging markets by leveraging AI and other emerging technologies. This prize offers $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize. Participating companies will also gain access to exclusive networking and the opportunity to pitch to industry leaders and key decision-makers.

If your company is using AI and advanced data analytics to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver scalable impact – this is your moment. We’re looking for tech-powered solutions ready to drive job creation, unlock commercial growth, and ignite breakthroughs across the globe.

The winning team will demonstrate a scalable innovation across manufacturing value chains that leverages AI to deliver measurable impact in efficiency and waste loss. Teams will be evaluated on commercial viability, technological integration, operational economics, and market scalability in Africa.

Eligibility Requirements 

We are seeking companies:

• 2+ years in operation
• Series A+ in funding
• Operating in Africa’s manufacturing sector
• Advancing workforce and job growth
• The Grand Prize winner will be awarded and celebrated in May 2026.

Benefits

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing offers $2 million in prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize.

Semi-Finalists: Ten (10) Semi-Finalists will receive $50,000 each.

Finalists: Five (5) Finalists will receive $30,000 each.

Final awards: One company will receive $1 million Grand Prize; One company will receive $250,000 Runner-Up Prize; and One company will receive $100,000 Most Advanced Use of 4IR Prize.

The following individuals or companies are not eligible to participate:

• Any individual or entity organized or with primary residence in a country embargoed by the USA
• Any individual or entity listed on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, or other sanctions lists administered by any agency or department of the United States government
• Any current or recent employee or immediate family member of an employee of the Milken Institute or the Motsepe Foundation

Award Rounds

Application Submission & Semi-Finalist Announcement

Teams submit their designs and business models. An independent panel of expert judges will select 10 teams to advance in the competition as semi-finalists. Each semi-finalist team will then receive $50,000.

Pitch Event & Finalist Announcement

Semi-Finalists will pitch their innovations to industry leaders and decision-makers. A panel of judges will select five teams to advance as Finalists and receive $30,000 each.

Grand Prize Submission & Announcement

Finalist companies will submit materials for the grand prize submission (as outlined in the rules). The winning team will receive $1 million, the runner-up will receive a $250,000 Runner-Up prize, and a team will receive $100,000 for the Most Advanced Use of 4IR.

The Grand Prize winner will be awarded and celebrated in May 2026.

Click Here to Apply