Applications Open: 2026 TechSkills Marketplace Program by Carnegie Mellon University Africa

The Innovation Hub at Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) has formally introduced the decision for purposes for the 2026 TechSkills Marketplace Program—a flagship initiative designed to attach African startups and MSMEs with distinctive CMU-Africa graduate expertise.

Running from November 1 to December 1, 2025, this aggressive program gives startups throughout the continent a singular alternative to entry expert graduate interns in fields driving Africa’s digital transformation.

About the TechSkills Marketplace Program

The TechSkills Marketplace Program matches African startups with CMU-Africa college students to work on real-world technical challenges. Through this initiative, firms get recent views and superior technical assist, whereas college students achieve hands-on expertise that prepares them for the way forward for work.

Startups profit from experience in high-demand areas resembling:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Data Science

• Software Engineering

• Product Design & Development

• Digital Platforms & Systems Innovation

This collaboration strengthens Africa’s innovation ecosystem and accelerates tech-driven options throughout sectors.

Who Can Apply?

The program is in search of impact-driven startups and MSMEs that meet the next standards:

• Registered and operational in Africa, with a transparent enterprise mannequin or product in growth

• Able to co-fund the internship throughout the co-financing construction

• Working on know-how or digital innovation initiatives, resembling platform growth, knowledge system enhancements, AI-driven instruments, or product engineering

• Committed to mentorship, offering a supportive setting for CMU-Africa interns

• Open to distant or hybrid work preparations

This name targets forward-thinking firms able to scale, innovate, and strengthen their technical capacities.

Key Dates for the 2026 Program

• November 1, 2025: Applications open

• January–February 2026: Selection of startups and MSMEs

• March–May 2026: Matching and onboarding

• June 2026: Internship placements start

Why Join the TechSkills Marketplace Program?

Participating startups achieve:

1. Access to High-Performing Interns

Tap into CMU-Africa’s pool of elite graduate college students with world-class coaching in cutting-edge applied sciences.

2. Co-Funded Internship Support

The program gives a cost-sharing internship mannequin, decreasing the monetary burden on startups whereas maximizing impression.

3. Visibility Across the Innovation Ecosystem

Gain publicity by way of CMU-Africa’s Innovation Hub accomplice community, rising collaboration and funding alternatives.

4. Opportunity to Shape Future Innovators

Startups play a direct position in shaping Africa’s subsequent era of tech leaders whereas advancing their very own digital options.

A Call to African Startups and MSMEs

If you might be an impact-driven founder or lead a rising tech-enabled startup, that is your alternative to realize expert technical assist whereas contributing to high-impact training and innovation in Africa.

Learn extra and apply by December 1, 2025:

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

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