AFRISE Challenge 2026

The AFRISE Challenge 2026 is organised by Concordia University in partnership with Hindsight Ventures. The programme empowers youth-led African startups creating scalable ventures to address social and economic challenges. Selected startups participate in a 4-week virtual accelerator with mentorship, technical support, and global exposure. Top-15 entrepreneurs present at a Virtual International Demo Day to early-stage venture investors and ESOs. Each startup receives over USD 600,000 in technology credits from partners including AWS, Zoho, IBM, Microsoft, Canva, DigitalOcean, FreshWorks. Open to applicants from Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Senegal.

4-week virtual accelerator, mentorship, over USD 600,000 in technology credits per startup (AWS, IBM, Microsoft, Zoho, Canva, DigitalOcean, FreshWorks), International Virtual Demo Day to investors and ESOs, access to grant + equity-based funding opportunities.

African youth aged 18-35 from Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, or Senegal. Must have a scalable idea to solve a mass challenge. Strong entrepreneurial potential and innovative thinking.